The U of A is taking the next step toward enhancing the state’s prosperity and economy by realigning specialized offices and centers and embedding them in areas where they can collectively maximize the university’s economic impact. 

“The time is now to build on the success of our workforce development and the outstanding work already underway to take the U of A’s economic impact to the next level,” said Charles Robinson, chancellor. 

As outlined in its 150 Forward Strategic Plan, the university is committed to increasing its $3 billion annual economic impact to Arkansas “by aligning our efforts with society’s needs and the economy across the region, state, nation and world,” including providing greater economic impact in key areas, including: 

• Workforce development 

• Upskilling the existing workforce through education and training

• Increasing entrepreneurship and innovation

• Growing small business development

• Increasing patents and research commercialization

• Student internships and career engagement, connecting graduates to opportunities

“With more than 33,000 students and record numbers of graduates, the University of Arkansas has the highest concentration of talented, prospective workers in the State of Arkansas,” Robinson said. “We reach every corner of the state through our economic development efforts — supporting small businesses, launching startups, commercializing research and partnering with foundations and industry. But we are committed to increasing our impact.”  

To improve efficiency, effectiveness and better deploy the university’s economic development and outreach, the units formerly housed under the Division of Economic Development were strategically realigned earlier this summer. 

• The Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R) and the Office of Workforce Development will join the Office of the Provost. This realignment will help integrate I³R’s deployment of innovations at scale through industry partnerships and support the growth of its faculty, while Workforce Development will focus on broadening efforts to advance student success, drive post-graduation employment outcomes and help upskill Arkansas workers.

• Technology Ventures will join the Division of Research and Innovation, streamlining the pipeline from research discovery to technology licensing and to deployment of university inventions in the marketplace.

• The U of A Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center and the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation will join the Walton College of Business to facilitate the units’ support of businesses, entrepreneurs and students.

• The Collaborative will join the College of Engineering and the Walton College of Business to enhance its service through upskilling, business support, product prototyping and workforce development.

• Arkansas World Trade Center will join the Office for Governmental Relations to maximize its state and national impact.

• Industry Engagement will join the Division of University Advancement to enhance its ability to connect the university with business partners.

“By strategically realigning these units, we are delivering more efficient processes, access to expertise and greater support,” Robinson said. “Citizens and businesses throughout Arkansas will reap the benefits. We will continue to monitor and assess our efforts to ensure that our future investments are having the greatest possible economic impact to Arkansas and beyond, while exploring new opportunities such as a permanent site in the Rogers/Bentonville area for research and development, and related business and industry collaborations.  

“I’d also like to thank Mike Malone for helping to build a great foundation for the university’s economic development efforts and for advancing our message throughout the state,” Robinson said. Malone, who previously served as vice chancellor for economic development, accepted a role in economic development in the private sector earlier this year. During his tenure, the university created a “front door” for industry and businesses with the Partner with U of A program.