In recognition of its strong commitment to economic engagement, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities has designated the University of California, Davis, as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity, or IEP, University. The national designation acknowledges public research universities working with public and private sector partners in their states and regions to support economic development through a variety of activities, including innovation and entrepreneurship, technology transfer, talent and workforce development, and community development.  

“Public research universities such as UC Davis serve as economic engines for their local communities and states by conducting cutting-edge research that yields breakthroughs that improve life well beyond the confines of campus,” said APLU President Peter McPherson. “Equally important, these institutions cultivate the talent necessary to help fledgling business take flight and ensure existing enterprises have the human capital they need to maintain their dynamism.”

UC Davis received the designation after an independent panel reviewed the school’s application, which included an internal review and analysis of its economic engagement activities that were conducted with outside stakeholder input. APLU’s Commission on Innovation, Competitiveness, and Economic Prosperity, which manages the designation process, is a national leader in efforts to help public research universities plan, assess, and communicate their work in regional, national, and global economic development.

“Advancing innovation and economic prosperity are central to our core mission,” said UC Davis Acting Chancellor Ralph J. Hexter. “The entire campus community has been working with diligence and creativity in this arena for a number of years now and it is extremely gratifying to have our efforts recognized in this way.”

In the past year, UC Davis received $786 million in extramural funding for research, recorded 229 records of invention, submitted 210 patent applications and enabled the creation of 13 new startups licensing university technology. Also considered in the application process was the university’s impact through key initiatives such as development of the World Food Center, support of the Seed Central program and the establishment of Venture Catalyst.

UC Davis is now one of 54 public schools designated as IEP universities. The 48 institutions designated in 2013, 2014 and 2015 have reported significant advancement of their efforts due to the stakeholder engagement and self-study efforts undertaken in conjunction with the program. Those schools are developing deeper engagement with others in their regional innovation ecosystems and making changes within the institution to expand their impact.

“The IEP designation recognizes our active engagement, both within the university and our community to foster an environment that supports the economic prosperity that stems from effective engagement of talent, innovation and place,” said Dushyant Pathak, associate vice chancellor for Technology Management and Corporate Relations in the UC Davis Office of Research.

“We are proud to be the first University of California campus to achieve this important recognition for our efforts to advance the economic well-being of our region and the state of California,” added Harris Lewin, vice chancellor for research at UC Davis.