Texas Tech University

Texas Tech Begins Economic Engagement Application Process

By Sally Logue Post

Texas Tech University is seeking the Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) University designation from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. The designation recognizes university engagement in an array of economic development efforts.

In December 2013, President Duane Nellis committed the university to submitting an application for the IEP designation. The application process is an assessment of the university's efforts to connect to its community, and to help it play a major role in fostering economic recovery and growth through innovation and entrepreneurship.

“The IEP application process is an extensive one,” said Nellis. “The application team will be gathering a great deal of information over the next few months, including administering an internal survey to gage our impact on regional economic development. I ask that you take a few moments to complete this survey so that we can determine our strengths and the challenges we must address to further economic engagement activities.”

Economic engagement is defined as the exchange of knowledge and resources between institutions of higher education and their public and private stakeholders. Those activities can include transferring research discoveries into marketable products and services, sharing technical expertise and equipment with its community, and providing educational opportunities and workforce development.

The deadline to complete the online survey is Feb. 28.

Nellis has appointed Robert Duncan, vice president for research, as the team leader for the application process.

“Thomas Jefferson developed the value of public higher education based upon knowledge discovery, and the application of this knowledge to improve the health and prosperity of our citizens,” said Duncan. “Our faculty, staff and students are already engaged in economic development activities by generating new knowledge and transferring it into practical applications for our community. We also are creating new businesses that have the potential to bring jobs to the region and are offering our considerable talents and expertise to act as consultants and advisers to our industry and community partners.”

A survey of external stakeholders is being conducted, as well. Once the surveys are completed and data analyzed, the results will be shared with both groups.

“The results of the surveys and other data gathered will form the basis for Texas Tech's process for setting goals and priorities for growth and improvement in this area,” said Duncan.

Internal survey »

More information on IEP designation »

Sally Logue Post is senior director of research and academic communications in the Office of Research & Innovation.