Auburn University seeks input from stakeholders for self-study related to economic development

As part of a self-study, Auburn University stakeholders are being asked to provide input concerning the university's engagement in the region's economic development initiatives.

Under the auspices of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, or APLU, and Auburn's Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development, a survey is being sent to some 3,500 public and private sector business and community leaders asking for their perception of the university's economic engagement.

"Auburn is committed to economic engagement," said Vice President for Research and Economic Development John Mason. "As the State of Alabama's land-grant university, Auburn has many different affiliated groups and programs supporting economic development through a variety of activities, including innovation and entrepreneurship, technology transfer, talent and workforce development and community development. This survey is a major part of our self-review with outside stakeholders to gain a consolidated picture of how they perceive that involvement."

Auburn University is reaching out to the manufacturing, healthcare, and financial sectors, commodity groups, non-profits, economic developers, chambers of commerce, government and elected officials, and others with this questionnaire and asks that responses be returned to the university in the postage-paid return envelope by Dec. 5.

Mason says the information will be used to shape the university's direction for economic development as well as identify improvements in its business engagement and support initiatives.

The APLU is a research, policy and advocacy organization representing 237 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems, and affiliated organizations. The association is dedicated to advancing learning, discovery and engagement.