MEDC to Host Economic Development Summit

LANSING, MI-The Michigan Economic Development Corp., in collaboration with the President’s Council, State Universities of Michigan, plans to host a University Economic Development Summit on Nov. 28 at the University Club here. The summit is designed to provide a forum for state universities to explore their current and future role in the economic development of the state.

“This summit will offer the opportunity for state universities to explorenew ways of partnering to foster economic development,” says Doug Rothwell, president and CEO of MEDC. “It is important for the university community, government and businesses to work together.”

The summit will feature a number of speakers who have worked successfully to facilitate collaboration with state universities to promote technology transfer and improve the entrepreneurial climate.

Lou Tornatzky of the Tomas Rivera Policy Institute in California will serve as the keynote speaker. Tornatzky will discuss his findings in a study that he conducted with 15 major universities that are actively linked with state and local economic development.

He will also discuss a report that he co-authored on what makes highly skilled students stay in the states where they were educated to help supply an abundant pool of high-tech workers.

An overview will also be presented of Michigan economic development activities including a benchmarking report, current tech transfer practices, activities focused on best practices and a report on student retention.

The summit is expected to draw approximately 250 university and economic development professionals to Lansing from across Michigan.