Public Service
The University System of Georgia's public service programs have a rich history of contributing to Georgia's economic development. First, the University System's agricultural extension services lifted Georgia's agrarian economy out of the Great Depression. Later, Georgia Tech's Economic Development Institute brought Industrial Age technology to Georgia's manufacturers. Today, University System outreach programs are developing a knowledge workforce that creates and uses intellectual technology for the knowledge economy of tomorrow.
Highlights from FY2000 include:
- 373,439 Georgians are engaged in continuing education;
- 21,100 continuing education programs were offered.
The University System of Georgia's Public Service efforts include:
Economic Development Institute
For over 40 years, the Economic Development Institute (EDI), through its 19 regional offices and campus-based programs, has helped Georgia's business and industry become more competitive though improving productivity and quality, reducing costs, starting new operations, and implementing proven manufacturing technologies. The focus has been on technologies such as:
- quality
- lean manufacturing
- information technology
- energy and environmental
- process improvement
EDI also helps communities identify opportunities for growth and develop strategies to take best advantage of those opportunities. It conducts feasibility studies and research projects, while providing local development agencies with marketing studies, local impact analyses, strategic planning assistance, and leadership development training.
EDI customers over the past two years report more than $24 million in sales increases, $15 million in operations cost saving, and over 1700 jobs added or retained. In addition, communities report almost 1400 jobs added or retained.
Advanced Technology Development Center
The Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) accelerates the formation and growth of technology-based companies in Georgia. ATDC provides entrepreneurs the assistance they need to rapidly bring new innovations to market. ATDC's assistance has helped establish 114 new high-technology companies which generate more than $750 million in annual revenues and provide more than 4600 jobs.
ATDC has three business center locations: the Georgia Tech campus in Atlanta, the Georgia Center for Advanced Telecommunications Technology (GCATT) in Atlanta, and the Middle Georgia Technology Development Center in Warner Robins.
Small Business Development Center
Through the University of Georgia's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program, businesses can receive free one-on-one counseling from experienced business professionals.
SBDC also offers seminars, workshops, export assistance, on-site training, and publications.
Small business clients who received SBDC consulting services last year had business growth three times the rate of average U.S. businesses and received more than $57 million in start-up and expansion capital.
During FY 2000, SBDC provided 38,560 hours of business consultation for clients. Almost 14,554 people attended 1,012 programs on starting and expanding small businesses.
ICAPP Access
ICAPP Access provides easy access to the vast resources of University System of Georgia's 34 colleges and universities. Two examples of ICAPP Access products are:
ICAPP Database of Faculty Expertise and Funding Opportunities - allows a key word search of University System faculty and staff expertise, and links research funding sources and potential collaborators.
Catalog of University System of Georgia Centers, Institutes, and Special Programs - an inventory of more than 200 institutes, centers and programs of excellence that are part of the 34 institutions of the University System of Georgia. A directory is available in printed form and through the Internet, allowing businesses everywhere to access the concentrated wealth of information and expertise available
Sources: Office of the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development and Economic Services