The most vibrant regions in our country – Silicon Valley, the North Carolina research triangle, or the Route 128 corridor near Boston, to name a few – are anchored by world-class research universities. Research universities attract talent, drive innovation and spur entrepreneurship. Our analyses consistently show a strong correlation between the presence of great research universities and economic competitiveness.
Virginia is no different. Our universities are critical catalysts for economic prosperity in the Commonwealth and cultural hubs that enrich life in our communities. We influence virtually every aspect of life for Virginians and strengthen the intellectual, social and economic capacity of our state.
Because of that, George Mason University this week has joined 15 other public colleges and universities in Virginia and the Virginia Business Higher Education Council in the Growth4VA campaign. The campaign, announced on Monday, also has the bipartisan backing of government leaders and the support of businesses across the Commonwealth.
Growth4VA has identified four main objectives:
- Make Virginia the Top State for Talent
- Become recognized as the Home of Innovators and Entrepreneurs
- Prepare Virginians for Great Jobs and Great Lives
- Provide Affordable Access for All Virginians
Our institutions serve the state by attracting and producing talent, creating jobs through innovation, strengthening the civic and cultural life of our communities and serving as the crucial research link between business and government.
To learn more about the campaign, please visit www.Growth4VA.com and @growth4va on Twitter.