About the Office of Economic Development
The MU Office of Economic Development began as a part-time endeavor in 2006. The full-time office was created in January 2010 after it became clear that MU had an added responsibility beyond teaching, research and service to advance the growth of our local, state and regional economies.
The strategy is focused on building strategic collaborations with business for the purpose of growing research and service contracts; enhancing internships, experiential learning opportunities and job placements; developing long-term philanthropy collaborations; exploring collaborations for new funding opportunities; and accelerating entrepreneurship and commercialization.
The following are the 7 roles of our office: business attraction, workforce, support for existing business, research and policy/collaboration, commercialization and tech transfer, communicaton/business and entrepreneurial success, and quality of life.
Business Attraction
Collaborate with Economic Development organizations to attract mid-to-large corporations and businesses to the state and support their ongoing needs.
Workforce
Ensure that Mizzou can meet the workforce needs of business and industry and provide continuing education opportunities to the private sector.
Support for Existing Business
Provide guidance on business opportunities and resources available at the University, and support new or expanding businesses in the state.
Research and Policy/Collaboration
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Foster original discovery, creativity, innovation and scholarship at Mizzou, and convey the University's strategic contributions to the vitality and growth of the state and regional economies. Build partnership and cooperative agreements.
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Commercialization and Tech Transfer
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Identify, assess, protect and market commercially viable intellectual property developed at MU and then facilitate the commercialization of intellectual property.
Communication / Business and Entrepreneurial Success
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Promote the business and entrepreneurial success of faculty, staff and students while articulating the benefits of having access to the assets and resources of a premier research university to its stakeholders.
Quality of Life
Promote the breadth and depth of medical support and quality of life benefits that are offered to Missouri residents because of MU.