UO faculty and leaders met with representatives from Business Oregon Tuesday to gain deeper understanding of the university’s role in economic development activities in the state.
The day-long meetings focused on the university’s existing economic engagement efforts, preparation of workers, entrepreneurs and leaders, and UO facilities that are valued assets to campus and the greater community.
The events were organized by UO Government and Community Relations to inform participants about the variety of ways that the university contributes significantly to the economic vitality of Oregon.
“The UO contribution to economics is a sum total of innovation coming from research discoveries, educating tomorrow’s workforce and entrepreneurs, and acting as a catalyst for start-ups locally,” said Matt Roberts, senior director of UO Community Relations. “Today, we shared information about these areas and the response was positive.”
Business Oregon is an Oregon state agency committed to business recruitment and retention within the state. It also houses the Oregon Innovation Council, which funds the Lorry I. Lokey Nanotechnology Laboratories located on the UO campus through the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI).
Participants discussed the Oregon Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network (RAIN), including Joe Maruschak, RAIN Eugene director; Dave Hauser, president of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce; and Chuck Williams, UO assistant vice president for innovation.
A roundtable discussion about the impact of educating students to contribute economically included leaders from Academic Affairs, the UO Master’s Industrial Internship Program, Career Center, Lundquist College of Entrepreneurship, and Lane Community College’s dean of Advanced Technology.
The university’s impact statewide with its Community Service Center programs in communities across Oregon was also highlighted with stories from participants.
Visiting members of Business Oregon also toured the Lokey Labs, including the Center for Advanced Materials Characterization in Oregon (CAMCOR) and the Oregon Research Institute.
They also heard from Tim Duy, UO professor and director of the Oregon Economic Forum, about Oregon’s economic outlook.
– Office of Public Affairs Communication