Stephan
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Editors note: President Herbert talks about the new
task force’s mandate in today’s Viewpoint column. Faculty and
staff are invited to contact task force members, all of whom
are named in Herbert’s column,
with recommendations.
An internal task force is exploring ways that Indiana University can more strategically contribute to economic development in the state and beyond.
IU President Adam Herbert established the task force several weeks ago to initiate strategies that will strengthen the university’s role in fostering economic growth and development.
The chair of the task force, William Stephan, IU vice president for public affairs and government relations, told the IU Board of Trustees on Sept. 17 that while the group is just beginning its work, it will quickly identify near-term and long-term goals.
“There is a great inventory of university economic development work already under way, and we will develop recommendations to efficiently organize and structure our activities to maximize our efforts,” Stephan said.
Task force members will consult widely within the university and with outside groups, such as business associations, elected officials and other research institutions as they begin to put together recommendations regarding policies and objectives, financial considerations, appropriate coordination and implementation structures, and new or expanded entrepreneurial initiatives. Their findings will include an overview of current university economic development activities and a description of university units through which economic development activities are conducted.
“One of the features that distinguishes IU is our strong tradition in the arts and humanities. That is a unique element of associated activity that we can use to attract talent and resources to strengthen our state’s economy,” Stephan said.
The task force will be conducting forums with various constituencies to gather facts and ideas.
For more on this subject, go to: http://homepages.indiana.edu/100303/text/viewpoint.html
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