Aydin Sunol, College of Engineering Ken Wieand, Center for Economic Development Research. The Task Force on Economic Development of the University of South Florida's Strategic Planning Process has been charged to design and investigate key questions that reflect the University's highest priorities and most pressing issues in the area of economic development. Task Force's Definition - Economic development refers to the creation and enhancement of welfare and opportunity in the region served by the University of South Florida, and in the world.
Economic development is the direct result of hard work, and the creation and transfer of knowledge.
As a major employer in the area USF contributes greatly to regional economic development. In addition, as a teaching and research University USF provides the skills, and houses the knowledge and information that propel economic development. Outside of the passive role of USF as a major regional employer, economic development activity at USF is primarily the process by which the University transfers its knowledge to the region. We have formulated four areas of recommendations resource allocation, communications and cooperation, reporting, and data collection. These recommendations mostly deal with the process of economic development rather than specific requests for resource enhancement.