Inspired by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) and the University Economic Development Association (UEDA), the University of Kentucky (UK) formed the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) as the internal structure for economic engagement support. The EDC is a network of over 50 campus and community stakeholders who identify, coordinate, and promote UK’s economic development and business engagement activities. The mission of the EDC is to grow economic prosperity in the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the areas of talent, innovation, place, partnership, and equitable economic development.
EDC Subcommittees
Subcommittees
Talent
The purpose of the Talent focus within the Economic Development Collaborative is to catalyze new job growth and create a talent pipeline for UK students and alumni for job openings in the Commonwealth.
Innovation
The purpose of the Innovation focus within the Economic Development Collaborative is to Encourage innovation, appropriate risk-taking, creative problem-solving, basic and applied research, and support the entrepreneurial ecosystem locally and statewide.
Place
The purpose of the Place focus within the Economic Development Collaborative is to plan, design, and manage UK’s physical resources including the main campus, the Coldstream Research Campus, and the future development of the Innovation District.
Partnership
The purpose of the Partnership focus within the Economic Development Collaborative is to aid in the university, government, non-profits, and the business community working closely to grow economic prosperity in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
The EDC
UK is a powerful economic engine for Kentucky. We educate and empower the next generation of citizens, provide research that influences community and policy development and collaborate with economic partners — all of which strengthen and shape a new future for both Lexington and the Commonwealth.
Equitable Economic Development
The purpose of the Equitable Economic Development focus within the Economic Development Collaborative is to assist in the breaking down of barriers and expand opportunities for low-income people and minority communities within the city of Lexington.