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

The 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:

Enhance the student experience through experiential learning, career readiness curricula, internships and student research experiences.
Promote a culture and infrastructure that supports innovation, entrepreneurism and commercialization of KU technology.
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.

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.

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