Economic Development

Economic development programs at Winthrop Rockefeller Institute recognize and support the concept that contemporary economies are based on knowledge, innovative ideas and high skill levels. Our economic development initiative places an emphasis on raising the per capita income for Arkansas through university and private sector collaborations.

Select an economic development program, or scroll down for more information:

Accelerate Arkansas Strategic Policy Forum

Accelerate Arkansas is a statewide group of business and education leaders committed to building a competitive, knowledge-based economy in Arkansas with the goal of achieving parity in per capita income with the U.S. average by 2020. Once attained, approximately $2.4 billion in additional tax revenue will be created annually for the state. The purpose of the strategic policy forum is to develop a work plan that stimulates business innovations by sharing creative models and analyzing Arkansas’ current tax structure, regulations, incentives and financing.

Arkansas Research Alliance Conference Pilot Program

Arkansas Research Alliance focuses on university-based innovation and incubating new businesses that have the greatest potential for creating sustainable businesses and high-paying jobs in Arkansas. The purpose of these conferences is to establish an educational process for identifying and nurturing private sector and university research collaborations and to leverage Arkansas for federal research grants. These conferences are funded by the Arkansas State Legislature, Arkansas Research Alliance and the Walton Family Foundation. Arkansas Research Alliance will conduct a series of three, invitation-only, research conferences to be held October 2010 through October 2011 at Winthrop Rockefeller Institute.

Nanotechnology Research Conferences

Leading scientists worldwide convene at the Rockefeller Institute for an intimate workshop at which they discuss and exchange research information in nanoscience. Funded by a special grant from the Winthrop Rockefeller Charitable Trust for two years, these Nanotechnology Research Conferences are expected to become an annual self-supporting event.

STEM Conferences

The Arkansas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Coalition is a statewide partnership of leaders from the corporate, education, government and community sectors. The purpose of STEM is to plan, encourage, coordinate and advocate policies, strategies and programs supportive of excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teaching and learning in order to expand the economy of Arkansas and produce higher paying jobs. This initiative is funded by the Arkansas State Legislature and the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation.