Binghamton recognized for economic development
Binghamton is one of only 18 universities nationwide to be named an Innovation & Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), in recognition of its commitment to economic engagement.
“Binghamton University continues to be a significant player in the economic development of Binghamton, the Southern Tier and New York state,” Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger said. “We are honored to earn such a designation.”
As the only SUNY school and the only school in New York state to receive the designation, Stenger said Binghamton has been recognized as unique and will continue growing its partnerships. “The impact of these partnerships will be a centerpiece of our Upstate Revitalization Initiative application for $500 million to go to projects identified by our Regional Economic Development Council. This gives our region a huge advantage in pulling together our proposal.”
The designation acknowledges universities working with public and private-sector partners in their states and regions to support economic development through activities such as innovation and entrepreneurship, technology transfer, talent and workforce development and community development. Schools received the designation after conducting self-reviews with outside stakeholder input and submitting applications for a rigorous independent review.
“This designation is a testament to Binghamton University’s ability to leverage research, resources and brainpower into real economic impact,” said Per Stromhaug, assistant vice president for innovation and economic development. “Binghamton doesn’t exist in a bubble, and we’re thrilled to know that we’re positively impacting the communities that, in turn, breathe life into the University.”
“You know you’re doing it,” Stenger added. “You can feel it, but until you measure and assess it and put it in front of a panel of experts, it doesn’t hit you. We’re in the same category as an Illinois and Penn State in the impact that we can have. For a small university, we’re doing the right thing and to have this added feature of being a community partner is special.”
“Public universities serve as economic engines for their local communities and states by conducting cutting-edge research to reach new breakthroughs and developing the talent to help existing businesses grow stronger and enabling new ones to develop and thrive,” APLU President Peter McPherson said. “The 18 institutions in the 2015 class of Innovation & Economic Prosperity Universities serve as wonderful models of how public research universities extend beyond their campuses to engage their communities in economic development that create jobs and improve lives.”
The 17 other institutions sharing the designation are Auburn University; Clemson University; East Carolina University; Mississippi State University; New Jersey Institute of Technology; New Mexico State University; Ohio University; Southern Illinois University; University of Arizona; University of Kansas; University of Louisville; University of Maryland; University of Nebraska-Lincoln; University of New Mexico; University of South Florida; Utah State University; and Western University.