Michigan's University Research Corridor (URC) is playing a major role in protecting the state’s water resources and using them to promote economic development in the state and globally, a new report shows.

The URC universities — Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University — received nearly $300 million in awards for water-related research and outreach from 2009 to 2013. The awards led to innovations in a variety of areas, from dealing with invasive species to monitoring water quality and finding ways to optimize water use in agriculture, according to the “Innovating for the Blue Economy,” report released May 29 at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference.

“We are fortunate to be surrounded by the greatest body of fresh water in the world, with a fifth of the world’s freshwater supply at our fingertips,” said President M. Roy Wilson. “The URC is working hard to make sure that water is an economic resource not only for today but also for future generations of Michigan residents.”

In addition to R&D, the three URC universities produce more than 3,400 graduates each year who are prepared to analyze and find solutions to water-related issues. 

The Anderson Economic Group prepared the report.