Anderson hosts 4-part series focused on regional collaboration and innovation

September 7, 2021 - Anna Dykeman

unmanderson-aed-innovationseriesThe Anderson School of Management at The University of New Mexico is hosting a regional innovation series that will be held quarterly in different areas of the state. The first event, “Enhancing Competitiveness through Collaboration,” hosted in partnership with Albuquerque Economic Development, Inc., takes place Thursday, Sept. 16, 8:30-11:30 a.m., at the Albuquerque Convention Center.

The goals of the series are to facilitate collaboration to increase the competitiveness of New Mexico for business attraction and retention, and to showcase the role that universities can play in regional economic development. Universities can serve as key partners by managing student projects, research, analysis and other services, providing interns, and conducting other cultivation activities to feed into the workforce. Anderson will partner with other universities to participate in future series installments.

“This series offers a wonderful opportunity to showcase the breadth of work Anderson does and can do to serve as partners in progress,” said Mitzi Montoya, dean of the Anderson School.

“Our broad engagement in regional innovation is one of our strengths. By regularly showcasing the breadth of our work and convening and creating more partnerships, we help advance our regional and national reputation.”

September’s event features a showcase of research projects completed by Anderson School fellows in support of strategic AED initiatives, covering topics such as the local film industry, the employment environment, and innovation supporting the space industry. A panel of local experts will reflect on the research projects, offering insights on developing a truly inclusive innovation ecosystem for the state.

Keynote speaker Dr. Christiana McFarland, research director for the National League of Cities Center for City Solutions, will discuss the findings of a recently published national report regarding developing regional economic connectivity and the interdependence of urban and rural segments of regional economies.

The program will also include discussion of a project on craft economy with tribal community partners funded by the National Science Foundation and breakout group discussions to identify actionable next steps.

For more information or to register for this program, visit www.ABQ.org/events