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Since 2011, the Michigan State University U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) University Center for Regional Economic Innovation (REI) has supported over 180 innovative economic development projects in Michigan, spurring high-growth entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic innovation. To date, REI projects have had over $68 million in economic impact in distressed regions of Michigan, with 97 Student-Led Faculty Guided technical assistance projects, 69 Co-Learning Plans, and 16 Innovation Fellows.
The Center now calls on authors and experts to contribute to the next annual cycle of its work by developing new Co-Learning Plans. REI invites authors to research and develop Co-Learning Plans focusing on innovative economic development tools, models, policies, programs, and practices. These Co-Learning Plans will serve as essential resources for local and state economic development practitioners and policymakers, providing guidance as they make decisions that affect Michigan’s distressed communities and regions.
The REI Center and partners have identified seven topics for possible Co-Learning Plans in 2025: Workforce Transition and Economic Adaptation; Fair Share Affordable Housing Linked to State Supported Economic Development; Encouraging Large Companies and Public Institutions to Procure from Local Businesses; Addressing Agricultural Workforce and Infrastructure Shortages through Innovation Centers; Community Economic Impacts and Feasibility of Developing Renewable Energy Sources; Assessing the Capacity of Economic Development Professionals for Community Benefit Plans and Agreements; Assessing Businesses Concerns in Adopting Community Benefit Plans and Agreements; and Other.
REI welcomes submissions that align with the identified areas of interest or propose other relevant topics within the four focal areas: resiliency planning, financial resiliency, 21st-century communications, and circular economies. The findings and recommendations from these plans will help drive job creation and business retention in economically distressed regions across Michigan.
Funded Co-Learning Plans will support REI’s mission of enhancing Michigan’s economic resilience and innovation through collaboration and knowledge sharing. Interested authors can find submission guidelines and deadlines on the REI website https:// reicenter.org/projects/24-25-project-overviews. For further inquiries, please contact Jenan Jondy at jondyjen@msu.edu. Please share these opportunities with your networks.
The MSU U.S. EDA University Center for Regional Economic Innovation has been at the forefront of fostering economic growth and innovation in Michigan. By partnering with higher education institutions, local governments, businesses, non-profits, and economic developers, REI continues to identify, create, and implement strategies that strengthen communities throughout the state.
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