This UEDA Place Network on-demand webinar explored how universities can more effectively align with state economic development strategies, featuring insights from the State Economic Development Executives Network (SEDE) and institutional experience from Tennessee Tech University.
State economic development leaders are increasingly looking to universities as strategic partners, not just stakeholders. Through SEDE, state executives are collaborating across regions to address shared priorities and are actively interested in deeper engagement with higher education institutions.
The webinar highlighted three core roles universities play in state-led economic strategies:
- Workforce and Talent Development
Universities are central to building talent pipelines aligned with high-demand sectors such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and technology. - Applied Research and Innovation
Institutions provide businesses—especially small and mid-sized firms—with access to research capacity, accelerating product development and competitiveness. - Regional Convening Power
Universities serve as neutral conveners, bringing together industry, government, and community partners to support cluster development and place-based strategies.
Practical Strategies for Universities
- Designate a central point of contact to manage state relationships
- Lead with capabilities, not funding requests
- Support site selection and industry recruitment efforts
- Formalize partnerships through agreements and joint planning
- Embed students and faculty in applied projects with state agencies
Engagement should be proactive, structured, and aligned with state-defined needs. This session reinforces that universities are not peripheral to economic development strategy: they are central to it when they engage intentionally and consistently.
Meet the Speakers
Bob Isaacson is the Senior Vice President for Economic Research and Policy with the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness, or CREC, and helps lead the State Economic Development Executives Network, or SEDE, where he works closely with senior state leaders across the country to strengthen economic development strategy and peer collaboration.
Leif Olson, Senior Research Analyst with CREC and the State Economic Development Executives Network, brings deep experience at the intersection of economic policy, state strategy, and cross-state collaboration.
Michael Aikens, currently serving as Acting Vice President for the Office of Research and Economic Development, as well as Assistant Vice President for Economic Development at Tennessee Tech University, directs the Center for Rural Innovation (TCRI) and chairs the Rural Reimagined Grand Challenge. Under his leadership, TCRI has driven over 1,000 rural projects, supported 1,500 small businesses, retained 800 jobs, and analyzed $2.5 billion in investments. Aikens’ rural work spans applied research, technical assistance, small business development, tourism, economic impact analysis, energy, critical infrastructure, poverty alleviation, and more. He hosts the PBS television series “It’s Your Business,” now in it’s fifth season. He also leads the student Eagle Works Innovation & Entrepreneurship program and supports faculty commercialization initiatives.