Dr Brian Richard, a Senior Research Associate of the Center for Governmental Studies at NIU, is currently editor of The Journal of Economic Development in Higher Education, an online, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the study of university-led economic development.

The Journal examines ways in which institutions of higher education foster competitiveness through human capital formation; research and innovation; and quality-of-place strategies that make communities attractive places to live, work, operate businesses, and raise families.  Innovative models of local initiatives are a strong focus of this journal. 

The Journal includes opinion pieces; articles on new frameworks, theories, or concepts; data-driven research articles; program evaluations, and/or qualitative or quantitative case studies that highlight or analyze the role played by institutions of higher education* in:

• Promoting economic development, innovation, and entrepreneurship, especially through interdisciplinary initiatives and public-private partnerships;
• Improving the impact, reach, and applicability of the institution’s research—and improving the impact and reach of other strategic niches of expertise—to enhance institutional and regional competitiveness;
• Applying basic and applied research to solve an industry’s—or the region’s—most pressing challenges;
• Leveraging institutional research and other resources to accelerate business formation and growth, develop new products and services, and/or link local businesses to the global economy through foreign investment or trade;
• Engaging and linking elements of their region’s innovation ecosystem;
• Developing and implementing solutions to their region’s human capital and workforce needs;
• Facilitating access by various constituents to information or institutional resources; and
• Creating knowledge-centric, mixed-use communities and innovation districts that serve as economic development nodes.

The Journal also seeks submissions addressing the theoretical underpinnings on exactly why and how university-led economic development benefits society.

See guidelines for submission here, or contact Dr. Richard at [email protected].