The University of Minnesota has been re-designated as an Innovation & Economic Prosperity Program (IEP) institution by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU)—extending a distinction the University has proudly held since 2013.
The APLU IEP Program supports higher education institutions in enhancing their impact on economic and community development, and recognizes institutions that have demonstrated a strong, sustainable, and campus-wide commitment to advancing regional economic engagement, growth, and opportunity.
“The renewal affirms the University's sustained leadership in innovation, economic development, workforce development, and community engagement across Minnesota and beyond,” said Laurie Van Egeren, Vice Provost for Public Engagement. “The University has an enormous statewide economic and societal impact, including generating $11.5 billion in economic activity, supporting more than 89,000 jobs, producing more than 2,400 patents and 300 startups, and training approximately 70 percent of Minnesota's healthcare workforce.”
The submission also emphasized the University's new strategic roadmap, Elevate Extraordinary 2030, and its alignment with the IEP framework through three primary areas of focus: workforce development, continued innovation in areas of institutional strength, and place-based initiatives that deepen community and Tribal partnerships across the state.
The renewal application was prepared by the Office for Public Engagement in partnership with Technology Commercialization, and guided by a University workgroup including: the Center for Transportation Studies, Corporate Engagement Center, Gary S. Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship, Government and Community Relations, Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships, Research and Innovation Office, and University of Minnesota Extension.
“This recognition reflects the extraordinary work of faculty, staff, students, and community partners across the University system whose collective efforts continue to advance the University's public mission and land-grant values,” said Van Egeren. “It is a privilege to share this news on behalf of the many people whose work made it possible.”