Strategy: Provide effective and active support for the economic development and quality of life in the region and state.
Point People: John Meyer and Nicole Biggart
Narrative Summary of Third Year Implementation Efforts:
UC Davis continues to sponsor the Partnership for Prosperity project. The purpose of this endeavor is to unite organizations and jurisdictions in the creation of a new, shared economic development strategy for the region. Implementation of this plan is designed to ensure a vibrant economic future for the Sacramento region in the coming decades. An area of regional interest within the Partnership for Prosperity plan is positioning the region to become a center for “green” energy technologies. Recent initiatives on the campus support and highlight this important area of research.
The Office of Research (OR) continues to further research relationships with government and industry. This past year, OR reached out to numerous California based industries to enhance their relationship and develop partnerships with UC Davis. These partnerships will increased research opportunities for faculty and concurrently enhance the economic viability of the region.
The Graduate School of Management’s Big Bang competition continues to growth and thrive. The program is designed to promote entrepreneurship, innovation and hands-on learning while at the same time engaging regional leaders.
Advances and Ongoing Programs Consistent with Strategy:
Energy Related:
Over the past year, the campus has made tremendous strides in connecting campus resources to the regional and state, as well as national, efforts to reduce our energy consumption and support green technology development and adoption. Some highlights include:
- Discussions with HUD regarding support for their Central Valley Energy Center.
- Discussions with USDA Rural Development regarding assistance with analysis of community based energy efficient technologies.
- Discussions with the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the City of Davis regarding securing EDA funds for new energy facilities.
- Preparation of the Bay Area Science and Innovation Consortium (BASIC) report on “Innovative Energy Solutions from the San Francisco Bay Area.”
- Development of the concept of the Capitol Region Green Alliance. In collaboration between Office of Research and the Government and Community Relations Office, we visited with most local government units, and organizations such as SARTA, SACTO, Metro Chamber, Partnership for Prosperity (PFP), Clean Tech and Valley Vision to discuss a regional commitment and programs to make the region “the greenest region” in the country. The concept evolved and Partnership for Prosperity has agreed to lead the effort.
- Hosted the “Going Green” conference in September that was produced by Always Up. Over 900 individuals from around the world attended.
- Hosted the regional CleanTech conference at the ARC with 300 attending. The focus was on regional support and growth of a green economy.
Other Accomplishments
- InnovationAccess Business Development Information/training sessions are open to the region’s entrepreneurs.
- The Office of Research External Research Advisory Board membership has continued to support the campus efforts in economic development and has provided networking and contacts for faculty and administration.
- UC Davis has been asked to participate on the Bay Area Council. Dean Nicole Biggart is the representative to the Board.
- UC Davis has contributed directly to the economic growth and health of the regions by generating $532M in revenue for programs supported by external grants and contracts.
- Campus representatives participated on Yolo County’s Economic Development Task Force and created an Economic Development Element of the county’s General Plan.
- Made informational presentation to West Sacramento Economic Development Committee on campus research spin-off activity. The city is now seeking campus support for a business incubator.
- Participated in a series of discussions considering a proposed “angels investor” network to facilitate the recruitment and development of local venture capital sources.
Plans for 2007-08
- Marj Dickinson, Meg Arnold and Lynne Chronister will serve on the PFP led Green Alliance.
- Planning underway for a subsequent Going Green conference
- Complete update of Economic Impact Report which details the economic contributions of UC Davis to the region. (http://www.news.ucdavis.edu/special_reports/economic_impact/)
- Refine purpose and responsibility for campus Economic Development Work Group.