September 5, 2014

Michigan's University Research Corridor Kicks Off Five-City 'Blue Economy' Tour in Macomb County

URC to Discuss Water-Related Research's Role in Economic Development With Leaders from State and Local Government, Higher Education

Harrison Township, Mich. (Sept. 3, 2014) - Michigan's University Research Corridor (URC) - an alliance between Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University - today kicked off a five -city tour at Lake St. Clair Metropark, meeting with leaders from state and local government and higher education to discuss the impact of water-related research on the local and state economy.

The discussion focused in part on the Huron to Erie Alliance for Research and Training (HEART), which works to improve the ecosystems of Lakes Huron and Erie and the quality of life for the people who use them. HEART is a collaborative effort between Wayne State University, Macomb Community College, Huron-Clinton Metroparks and Macomb County that is setting up research centers at Lake St. Clair Metropark and Belle Isle.

Attending the event were Jeff Mason, URC executive director; John McCulloch, Huron-Clinton Metroparks director; Carol Miller, Wayne State University professor and HEART project leader; Ed Wolking, Detroit Regional Chamber executive vice president; Jim Jacobs, Macomb Community College president; and Jon Allan, Office of the Great Lakes director among others from the educational and governmental communities.

"Michigan's University Research Corridor welcomed the chance today to engage with our many partners who are as committed as the URC to protecting and promoting Michigan's great freshwater resources," Mason said. "As we continue our five -city tour to other areas of the state, we hope to highlight the importance of the `Blue Economy' and the fact that one in five Michigan jobs is tied to having good and plentiful water."

The three URC universities received nearly $300 million in awards for water-related research and outreach from 2009 to 2013, according to the "Innovating for the Blue Economy" report commissioned by the URC from Anderson Economic Group.

In addition to R&D, the three URC universities each year produce more than 3,400 graduates prepared to analyze and find solutions to water-related issues in academia, government and the private sector, bringing new talent and energy to the field. Nearly 40 percent of those graduates earned advanced degrees, according to the report. Michigan ranked fourth in the nation in the percentage of jobs associated with industries related to water, at 718,700.

"Water impacts not only the quality of life but the economy as a whole in southeast Michigan and throughout the state," said Ed Wolking. "Countless businesses, from farms to manufacturers and tourism-related enterprises, depend upon a readily available supply of fresh water. Driving the research and innovation surrounding water positions Michigan to lead in the global economy."

Other stops on the `Blue Economy' tour include Houghton, Muskegon, Bay City/Saginaw and Traverse City.

Michigan's University Research Corridor - an alliance between Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University - is the engine that drives innovation for Michigan and the Great Lakes region, increasing economic prosperity and connecting Michigan to the world. Find out more at http://urcmich.org or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter @urcmich.