Economic development is the work of building communities where people can thrive, through quality jobs, accessible education, innovation and expanding opportunity. It's not the work of any single institution or initiative. It takes coordination, sustained investment and a shared commitment to the long view.
As Kentucky's land grant university, UK has both a unique capacity and a fundamental responsibility to contribute to that work. Land grant universities were founded on the principle that higher education should serve the public good; not just within campus walls, but across the state they call home. For UK, that means putting our research, talent, partnerships, and resources to work for Kentucky.
The Economic Development Collaborative is UK's internal network to help make that happen. The EDC brings together faculty, staff, and community partners from across the university to connect, align, and amplify economic development work happening in and through UK. We serve as a convener and resource hub — hosting quarterly meetings open to all, facilitating deeper conversations on topics that matter and taking direct leadership on select projects where UK is uniquely positioned to act.
To stay up-to-date on UK's economic development activity and to hear about upcoming EDC meetings (open to all), sign up for the EDC Monthly Newsletter.
