The University of Georgia (UGA) is playing a significant role in the state’s economic development, contributing $8.4 billion in economic activity during fiscal year 2024. The university’s initiatives have led to job creation and retention, capital investment, business growth, and stronger communities across Georgia.
“Supporting economic development and enhancing the vitality of communities across our state is woven into the University of Georgia’s DNA,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “Guided by our land-grant and sea-grant mission, we are dedicated to serving the public good through education, research and outreach that drives prosperity throughout Georgia.”
Research at UGA has been instrumental in driving innovation within the state. Each dollar invested in research generates $2.13 in economic activity due to discoveries that lead to new products, startups, and licensing agreements. Faculty inventions have resulted in over 200 companies, many based in Georgia.
The university also contributes to workforce development by supplying talent; about two-thirds of UGA graduates remain in Georgia after graduation. These individuals often become entrepreneurs, educators, or civic leaders who help shape the state’s future.
UGA’s approach involves several units working together: Public Service and Outreach (PSO), the Office of Economic Development (OED), the Office of Business Engagement (OBE), the Office of Research, and the Innovation District. PSO connects UGA resources with community needs through its eight units—including programs like Archway Partnership and Small Business Development Center—which address local challenges such as workforce gaps or infrastructure needs.
“UGA’s economic development work is about empowering communities with the tools, talent and partnerships they need to thrive,” said Stacy Jones, vice president for public service and outreach. “By connecting local leaders with university expertise, we help build stronger, more resilient economies across Georgia, ensuring that prosperity is shared and sustainable.”
Established in 2013 by President Morehead, OED operates from Atlanta under Director Matt Colvin. It aims to ensure UGA resources support community preparation for economic opportunities as companies consider multiple locations for expansion or relocation.
“It’s a very holistic process in economic development because you can see the University of Georgia supporting it from different fronts,” Colvin said. “The work we do really helps communities distinguish themselves.”
After community needs are identified by PSO or other units, OBE works to connect industry partners with university talent and research assets—often collaborating with Innovation Gateway (the commercialization arm housed within the Office of Research). This unit assists faculty and student entrepreneurs as they launch startups or license technologies derived from university research.
These efforts have helped bring more than 1,200 products to market via industry partnerships—a performance recognized nationally when UGA ranked No. 1 among American universities for commercial products introduced by industry partners based on academic research according to AUTM’s annual survey.
UGA’s integrated model allows for collaboration between its various offices so that projects move efficiently from idea conception through commercialization stages—ensuring that institutional resources align effectively for maximum statewide impact.
