An close-up aerial view at sunrise of the KU and American flags atop Fraser Hall.

The Office of Economic Development

The Office of Economic Development works to leverage KU's strengths in education, service and research to drive economic growth in Kansas.


The Office of Economic Development

Innovation and economic prosperity signee badgeThe Office of Economic Development leads KU's efforts to be an engine of economic growth for Kansas in a way that empowers workers, families, companies and communities to prosper. 

The office, in concert with the academic and research programs across KU, seeks to drive economic growth in Kansas through three core strategies:

  1. Enhance the student experience through experiential learning, career readiness curricula, internships and student research experiences. 
  2. Promote a culture and infrastructure that supports innovation, entrepreneurism and commercialization of KU technology.
  3. Grow and strengthen partnerships among industry, government and community partners.

The Office of Economic Development works closely with various state partners, including the Office of the Governor, the Kansas Department of Commerce, the Kansas Board of Regents, and various regional city, county and chamber organizations.

In summer 2022, the office launched a new Economic Development Strategic Plan for the university. The plan articulates the office's key strategies in the context of our ultimate goal — to create jobs, wealth and mobility for Kansans.


Economic Development News

KU Innovation Park featured in industry newsletter

The KU Innovation Park was recently featured in an industry newsletter designed for professionals working in technology transfer and intellectual property. ...

Kansas coalition to take step toward development of regional hydrogen hub

A coalition of Kansas public entities and private partners will apply for federal funding that could make Kansas a regional hub in the emerging hydrogen economy.

KU researchers, entrepreneurs capitalizing on Lawrence’s designation as America’s ‘Fastest Growing’ tech hub

LAWRENCE — Lawrence is growing tech jobs faster than any other city in America, according to data from a prominent national think tank. ...

Chancellor visits with House, Senate committees to discuss KU's economic development efforts

Earlier today, Chancellor Girod visited with two Kansas legislative committees to discuss how KU drives economic growth and provides healthcare and infrastructure to Kansas communities.

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KU Innovation Park

KU Innovation Park now houses more than 60 companies on the university's west campus in Lawrence. That number will grow in fall 2022 with the opening of a new expansion facility.
The KU Innovation Park represents a transformative opportunity for KU to drive economic development in Kansas.

Staff


Key Metrics

49
Active startup companies created from KU technology
$78.9M
Research spending with Kansas companies per year
$368.6M
Externally funded research per year