Chicago at a Crossroads: Universities as Economic Engines: Tapping the Power of Research & Talent

Universities are powerful economic drivers—fueling innovation, developing talent, and shaping the future of regional competitiveness. This Chicago at a Crossroads forum will explore how Chicago can harness the power of its academic institutions and research assets to strengthen the economy, commercialize cutting-edge ideas, and expand equitable opportunity.

Guided by Laura Appenzeller, Executive Director of the University of Illinois Research Park and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Innovation at UIUC, the conversation will bring together higher education leadership, business executives, and government representatives to examine how collaboration across sectors can accelerate growth.

Key Discussion Areas:
· Federal Research Funding: What’s ahead, and how to position Chicago to compete for resources that drive innovation
· Academia–Industry Partnerships: Turning research into commercial success and scaling startups
· Workforce Development & Equity: Building diverse talent pipelines through higher education partnerships
· Economic Impact: How research hubs like the University of Illinois Research Park and corporate R&D partnerships translate into regional growth

This program will offer a rare opportunity to hear from leaders across academia, industry, and government, providing actionable insights for anyone invested in Chicago’s economic future.

Featured Panel

Marie Lynn Miranda

Chancellor | University of Illinois Chicago

Martin Torres

Deputy Governor for Education at Office of the Governor- Illinois

Johanna Acevedo

Group Product Manager | Global IT Chicago & UIUC at John Deere

Moderator

Laura Appenzeller

Executive Director of the University of Illinois Research Park and the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Innovation at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Program Sponsor