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The ESU Center for Research and Economic Development was conceived and developed under the leadership of Dr. Robert J. Dillman, the 12th president of East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. Since his arrival in July 1996, President Dillman has initiated ambitious and innovative academic, community and economic development programs that have made a profound impact on the quality of life and economic revitalization of northeastern Pennsylvania.
The Center for Research and Economic Development is responsible for:
- Pocono Mountains Keystone Innovation Zone
- University Research and Technology Park
- Pocono Mountains Angel Network
Significant Developments and Accomplishments of the Center for Research and Economic Development
The Center for Research and Economic Development was established as an affiliate organization of East Stroudsburg University. It serves as the principal economic development/research extension of the University. The Center's Mission is to create regional wealth through entrepreneurial initiatives, research, and workforce training.
The Center provides a multidisciplinary team of university faculty, staff and students, in addition to outside experts and consultants to address the research and economic development goals and objectives of local, regional, national and international corporations businesses, industries, organizations, governmental and educational partners.
East Stroudsburg University Research & Technology Park
The continued growth and success of the Business Accelerator Program has led to the opportunity to further expand the Program and to develop an 11–acre University Research and Technology Park on the ESU campus along Route 447. The expansion is supported by a $2.5M Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and federal grants for $1.2M from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and $75,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The project includes the construction of a Computer Security Research Center which will house business accelerator space, R&D facilities, anchor tenant space and offices in the borough of East Stroudsburg. The economic impact of Phase I of the project in Monroe County is expected to result in: Over 286 new jobs, Average wages $47,857, and $54.4M into the economy.
Pocono Mountain Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ)
The Center for Research and Economic Development received $350,000 from the Department of Community and Economic Development for the development and management of the Pocono Mountains Keystone innovation Zone (KIZ). KIZs are geographically designated zones designed to foster innovation and create entrepreneurial opportunities through partnerships and by aligning the combined resources of educational institutions, private businesses, business support organizations, commercial lending institutions, venture capital networks (including angel investors), and foundations.
East Stroudsburg University received a $250,000 Keystone Innovation Grant (KIG) to support tech transfer and commercialization projects in NE Pennsylvania. The ESU Northeast Wildlife DNA Forensics Laboratory received $125,000 and Backbone Security received $48,000.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
East Stroudsburg University is pursuing designation as a Small Business Development Center by the U.S. Small Business Administration. A preliminary meeting was held in Philadelphia on January 31, 2007 with Stephanie Watkins, Regional Administrator, Region III, U.S. Small Business Administration; Gregory Higgins, Jr., State Director, Small Business Development Centers; and with Joseph McDevitt, Director of Marketing, U.S. Small Business Administration.
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