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K-State Today

September 20, 2019

Applications open for Excellence in Innovation and Economic Engagement Award

Submitted by Erin Pennington

In July 2017, Kansas State University was named an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities' Commission on Innovation, Competitiveness, and Economic Prosperity for the institution's strong commitment to economic engagement. The commission created the Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Designation and Awards program to recognize universities that are leaders in spurring and promoting regional economic development.

As a part of the K-State self-assessment and improvement plan associated with the designation process, one finding was the need to enhance rewards and recognition for economic engagement activities. As a result, K-State has created an Excellence in Innovation and Economic Engagement Award to recognize faculty and staff, centers, institutes and units engaged in work that advances innovation and the economic prosperity of our region.

The K-State Excellence in Innovation and Economic Engagement Award recognizes exemplary economic engagement across efforts in Talent, Innovation and Place, plus the intersections of these categories:

  • Talent: focus on education and workforce development.
  • Innovation: focus on innovation- and technology-based economic development.
  • Place: focus on social, cultural, or community development.

Finalists will be invited to present their work as a keynote at the K-State Research Connections event on Oct. 29. The winner will be announced and recognized at the Research Connections event and will receive a commemorative plaque, along with a certificate and a $1,000 grant to advance their economic engagement efforts. Finalists and winners will also be featured in news stories and promotions about K-State’s economic engagement activities.

Find out more and apply for this excellent opportunity by Oct. 7