ED Now

Technological innovations in artificial intelligence, life sciences, sustainable energy, and other fields will have wide-ranging transformational effects in the U.S., including the concentration of jobs and R&D in (mostly coastal) early-adopter metro hubs. Additional hubs in the Midwest and South are early adopters of AI applications in the production of goods and services. To maximize economic development opportunities associated with AI and other innovations, investing in workforce training and housing production where jobs are located will be critical.

In today's rapidly evolving economy, the traditional boundaries between academia and industry are becoming increasingly blurred. As businesses seek innovation and universities strive to produce job-ready graduates, the need for collaboration between the two has never been greater. For universities to effectively engage with businesses, careful preparation and strategic initiatives are essential. This article explores key steps that universities can take to prepare for fruitful partnerships with businesses.

IEDC’s 2023 Annual Conference will be held next month in Dallas. A few of our conference speakers shared some exciting economic development projects happening in the region.

IEDC is accepting submissions through May 30 for the 2023 Excellence and Leadership in Economic Development Awards. The Excellence and Leadership in Economic Development Awards recognize the world’s best economic development programs, partnerships, and marketing materials, and the year’s most influential economic development leaders. These prestigious awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Receiving an award showcases your achievements and impact in the field, and winners are recognized at IEDC's Annual Conference. Please email [email protected] with any questions. mRNA Victoria’s development of an mRNA vaccine ecosystem in ...

Aaron N. Gruen of Gruen Gruen + Associates—an urban economics, market research, housing and land use policy, and pre-development services firm—shares his annual economic and real estate outlook with ED Now.

A recent Regional Economic Models, Inc. (REMI) webinar reviewed the economic and environmental impacts of military base closures through the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) system used by the U.S. Armed Forces. The discussion began with an overview of the BRAC system and the economic and environmental impact of the U.S. military. BRAC has been significant in changing the economic climate of a region, and with the Biden administration looking to hit a greenhouse gas reduction target by 2030 and the Department of Defense signaling for an all-electric vehicle fleet by 2035, the impacts could be felt nationwide. For historical context, the webinar analyzed the economic and environmental impacts of the post-Cold War closures of Bergstrom ...

Ohio University’s Innovation Center has focused its efforts over the past year on helping local entrepreneurs navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and response. The business incubator has remained open to support its on-site essential businesses and is maintaining safe operations by closely monitoring and following CDC guidelines to ensure it provides a working environment that limits clients’ risk. The center’s staff has rearranged offices, worked in a hybrid/remote capacity when possible, and implemented stringent cleaning protocols. The center is also providing virtual business development support to current clients, as well as additive manufacturing design and product development assistance. “The Innovation ...

Montgomery County, Md., is a 500-square-mile county with 1.05 million people adjacent to Washington, D.C. The county has many strong assets, including federal labs and agencies, a thriving life science sector, and an incredibly diverse and well-educated population. One of its strongest assets is its breadth of strong, business-focused organizations that communicate effectively with one another. As in other communities, the pandemic hit industries such as hospitality, retail, restaurants, and entertainment particularly hard, and the county hit a historic unemployment high in April 2020. Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), in close collaboration with Montgomery County government, WorkSource Montgomery (WSM), Visit ...