UC Riverside has been recognized for its dedication to economic engagement by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), earning the prestigious designation as an Innovation & Economic Prosperity (IEP) university. This national recognition highlights UCR’s efforts in supporting economic development through innovation, entrepreneurship, technology transfer, talent and workforce development, and community development.
With this designation, UCR joins a select group of 80 IEP universities across the nation, including sister campuses such as UC Davis, UCLA, and UC San Diego. Rodolfo Torres, UCR’s vice chancellor for Research and Economic Development, expressed pride in the university’s recognition by both regional stakeholders and peer universities in the APLU.
Key to UCR’s successful IEP application was the SoCal OASIS™ initiative, led by the Office of Research and Economic Development. This overarching program focuses on building innovation and economic development in the Inland Southern California region.
Rosibel Ochoa, associate vice chancellor in the Office of Technology Partnerships, emphasized that the designation solidifies UCR’s position as a leader in technology innovation and entrepreneurship, reflecting years of hard work and dedication from the university and its partners.
The five-year designation involves a rigorous application process, including an internal review of economic engagement activities and input from outside stakeholders. UCR’s commitment to economic engagement is further underscored by recent recognitions, including an invitation to join the prestigious Association of American Universities and the 2024 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement.
The APLU, a prominent research, policy, and advocacy organization, represents over 250 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems, and affiliated organizations. UCR’s designation as an IEP university not only elevates its academic profile but also opens up new opportunities for funding, awards, and networking within the higher education community.