What is the IEP Designation?
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is currently pursuing an Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) University Designation from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU). APLU is an organization dedicated to advancing the work of public universities by improving student success, advancing, and promoting research, along with building communities.
APLU and its Commission on Economic and Community Engagement (CECE) established the Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) Universities Program to help higher education institutions strengthen their strategy and practices in economic and community development while providing due recognition to institutions that are exemplary in their institution-wide commitment to regional economic engagement.
More than 65 institutions have earned this distinguished recognition including Purdue University, Penn State University, The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan.
How do we achieve the IEP Designation?
Institutional Self-Assessment
We will engage internal (faculty, staff, leadership, and students) and external (businesses, local and state government, communities, and others) stakeholders to identify UW-Madison’s strengths and areas of growth.
Develop an Application
Once we can better know, measure and describe UW-Madison’s economic and community development impact around talent, innovation and place we then can demonstrate institution-wide commitment and strategy for economic engagement, growth, and opportunity.
Why is UW-Madison seeking the IEP Designation?
Demand
External and internal forces are driving us to capitalize on industry engagement with campus. COVID has only accelerated the needs of industry and academia to expand mutually beneficial collaboration. From the need for applied research to executive education, to projects and programs which benefit our students, faculty and the companies in our ecosystem, embracing industry collaboration is becoming a necessity.
Two thirds of the Big Ten has already made the decision to realize cross-campus Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation and implementation. Given the current and potential economic impact of UW–Madison both in our region and beyond, and for our competitive future, we are seeking this designation.
Opportunity
UW–Madison’s place in the heart of the Midwest represents an emerging opportunity to fulfill our research, teaching and community missions:
- A recent report by the Brookings Institution names Madison as the city most primed to be an innovation center. (Read more: “UW-Madison joins national leaders to discuss plan to promote high-tech growth”)
- The Endless Frontier Act, a legislative proposal currently in the U.S. Senate (S. 3832) co-authored by Representative Mike Gallagher (WI-8), would make bold investments in science, technology and innovation centers, including Madison. (Watch a discussion with the bill’s authors hosted by WARF. Find out more: “Endless Frontier Act to revitalize, transform Midwest industries”, WisBusiness.com)
Within our existing economic impact programs, we are looking to create synergies and extend our strengths while reducing on and off campus barriers to the creation and support of stakeholder growth opportunities.
How can I contribute to this effort or learn more?
We want to hear from you! From university faculty, staff and students to business leaders and community members your contribution is vital and may be solicited. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our team:
Chris Kozina
APLU IEP Co-Lead
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Industry Engagement, UW–Madison
Bob Gratzl
APLU IEP Co-Lead
Assistant Director of Contracting, UW-Madison Research and Sponsored Programs
Stephanie Furlong
APLU IEP Project Manager
Project Manager, UW-Madison Office of Business Engagement