This is where we go beyond the numbers to share the real stories and strategies driving university-backed economic development. Look here for actionable takeaways, federal funding updates, and proven models shaping the future of talent, innovation, and place.
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Two New AI Funding Opportunities, One Busy Summer: A UEDA Heads-Up
We know your summer will be busy, especially now that two new federal opportunities have come out that may involve key leaders at your institution in supporting AI as a vehicle…
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UEDA Celebrates Economic Development Week
UEDA is proud to recognize May 4-8, 2026 as Economic Development Week alongside our partners at the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). To mark this occasion, we are reflecting on how universities are at the center of regional economic growth. This year…
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UEDA Washington Convening: Key Takeaways for University Economic Development Leaders
By Lenore VanderZee, J.D., Ph.D., UEDA President & Vice President for Strategic Relations & Communications, SUNY Canton The 2026 UEDA Washington Convening brought together higher education leaders, federal partners, and practitioners…
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Congress Just Reauthorized SBIR. Universities Should Pay Attention.
After a five-month lapse that left billions in federal innovation funding idle, Congress reauthorized SBIR and STTR through 2031. The programs are restarting and universities need to be ready. Why This…
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Using University Capacity to Deliver Regional Economic Results: A New Framework for EDA
The University Economic Development Association (UEDA) has developed a draft framework that proposes a modernized “University Economic Competitiveness Partnership” to replace the now de-funded University Center program. Built around a newly proposed Institutional…
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Workforce Pell Proposed Regulations – Implications for University Economic Development Leaders
By Dr. Ken Poole, UEDA Executive Director The U.S. Department of Education has released proposed regulations implementing the Workforce Pell provisions enacted in the 2025 higher education legislation. These rules would…
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Universities Can Deliver More. The Moment to Reset Is Now.
Written by: Ken Poole This excerpt is part of a full paper available exclusively to registrants of the 2026 UEDA Washington Conference, April 15-16. Anyone interested in contributing to this revised…
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What Federal Agencies Really Fund: The Power of Strategic Alliances
Why Strategic Partnerships Are More Critical Than Ever As universities navigate an increasingly competitive federal funding landscape, one truth has become clear: going alone is no longer viable. Today’s climate demands…
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OBBA: Understanding Its Impact on Workforce and Economic Development
On July 4, 2025, Congress enacted the One Big Beautiful Act (Public Law 119-21). For workforce and economic development policymakers, the law sought to reshape the operating environment for talent systems,…
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Workforce Pell and Universities: a Policy Brief for UEDA Members
Universities are being asked to move faster, align more closely with employers, and show measurable labor market results from short-term training. Institutions that treat Workforce Pell as an economic development tool…
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A Vision for 2026: A New Mandate for University Economic Development Innovation
By Lenore VanderZee, J.D., Ph.D., UEDA President & Vice President for Strategic Relations & Communications, SUNY Canton As we enter 2026, higher education faces intensifying pressure to demonstrate return on investment for students,…
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2026 University Economic Development Association Board Members
Lenore VanderZee Elected University Economic Development Association Board Chair Lenore VanderZee was elected chair of the University Economic Development Association (UEDA) for a term beginning January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. She currently works as Vice President for Strategic Relations & Communications at the State…