Institute for Advanced Learning and Research noted for economic impact

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, Va., was selected as a finalist in "Putting It Together: the Role of Entrepreneurship in Economic Development," a conference hosted by the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy, the Council of State Governments, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, and the National Lieutenant Governors Association.

The conference recognized the IALR model as one of 19 finalists selected from more than 50 nation-wide applicants. Organizations from around the United States presented to a national audience detailing initiatives underway in their states that are helping to foster small business growth and entrepreneurial activity as a means for economic development. The conference concluded by naming four of the 19 initiatives presented as national "best practices" for entrepreneurial activity and growth.

The role played by small businesses and entrepreneurs is vital to the IALR model of economic transformation. "Encouraging entrepreneurship is a key component of local, regional, and state economic development," said Thomas M. Sullivan, chief counsel for advocacy. "The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research builds on the strength of Virginia Tech's research and development and economic development activities. It is creating a vibrant source of innovation in south central Virginia. These programs demonstrate market-based results and ought to be replicated across the country."

"The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research represents a unique model centered on distributed research to bring about the economic transformation of a rural area," said Timothy V. Franklin, executive director of IALR. "The opportunity to share our mission and successes with other great programs and national policy workers from around the U.S. was a great opportunity for IALR. Recognition such as the Office of Advocacy's cast national attention on IALR's effort to bring the Innovation Economy to Southside Virginia."

Award winners included Idaho's "TechConnect" program, University of Maryland's "Maryland Industrial Partnership" program, Michigan Economic Development Corporation's "SmartZone" initiative, and the Wisconsin Department of Commerce's efforts to reduce state mall business regulatory burden. Full conference proceedings will be published later this spring. The presentation given by Franklin, as well as IALR's conference proposal, can be viewed on the IALR's website: http://www.ialr.org/sbaresources.html.