Purdue receives $1 million federal award for regional development
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue's Center for Regional Development has been awarded nearly $1 million over the next five years to foster innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.
U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) through its University Center Program issued awards to 21 higher education institutions to enhance regional economic development tools that will expand opportunity and create jobs.
The Purdue proposal outlined these steps and benefits:
* The center will create and implement an "innovation network" composed of higher education institutions from across Indiana and a diverse group of public-private development organizations focused on linking resources to leverage innovation.
* Purdue collegiate units/departments will work together in the areas of entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, as well as regional planning in economic and community development.
* Purdue students will have the opportunity to engage in projects with communities in the areas of entrepreneurship, technology development and regional planning in economic and community development.
* Efforts will involve community and local school districts in developing/implementing specialized entrepreneurship curriculum designed specifically for students in grades 7-12.
* Connection will be bolstered between Indiana's technology parks around the state and regional economic and community development organizations in order to strengthen and enhance local and regional resources.
* Analysis tools will be developed to help local elected and regional officials make better community decisions.
The Purdue Center for Regional Development was formed in 2005. That same year it became EDA's only University Center for Indiana, based on a competitive, multiyear award. The PCRD has generated more than $20 million for work with more than 100 community, state and national entities.
"In a knowledge-driven economy, we must work together regionally - across county lines and even across state lines," said Vic Lechtenberg, center director and a special assistant to the president. "Purdue serves as a catalyst and support for the dialogue, networking and high-level collaboration across and within both the public and private sectors needed to form and strengthen these regional economies."
Writer: Jeanne V. Norberg, 765-494-2084, jnorberg@purdue.edu
Source: Vic Lechtenberg, 765-494-0-9095, vll@purdue.edu