The Economic Growth Institute has navigated regional economic transitions this year, with initiatives in electric vehicle transitions and strategic community planning. Our research has informed vital strategies for inclusive growth, while our inaugural Elevate Forum facilitated critical industry dialogue. Learn more about our work this past year in our 2024 annual report. May 28, 2024 Contact: Parker Finn finnp@umich.edu View the report

Our spring newsletter includes stories about programs responding to new energy technologies, including the Michigan Vehicle Technology Transition Impact Project, which is working with communities preparing for the EV transition, the Michigan Defense Resiliency Consortium, which is supporting energy storage and battery production for defense, and STC, which continues to assist automotive suppliers.  We also share updates about EGI Research and EGI staff and student stories.

Our fall newsletter includes stories about EGI's Inaugural Elevate Forum, new support for the Michigan Defense Resiliency Consortium, Michigan Vehicle Technology Transition Impact Project, research informing county leaders, and EGI staff and student stories.

The University of Michigan's Economic Growth Institute hosted its inaugural Elevate Forum for businesses, community leaders, and economic development colleagues at the University's Detroit Center.  With over 100 attendees joining both in person and online, the forum offered a full day of presentations and networking. The day commenced with opening remarks from EGI’s Executive Director, Steve Wilson.  Morning sessions focused on issues of special interest to small business owners.  Guest presenters included Ken Sanginario, who discussed ownership transition, enhancing [read more]

The Economic Growth Institute (EGI) at the University of Michigan has launched the Michigan Vehicle Technology Transition Impact Project (MiVTTP), to support local leaders and community members as they respond to vehicle eletrification in their communities.    MiVTTP began work in September on this three-year program with the support of a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). The award is one of 45 projects funded by the DOE across 18 [read more]

The Michigan Defense Resiliency Consortium (MDRC) has been awarded a $4.9 million grant by the Department of Defense to support its work across Michigan. With local support bringing this strategic investment in the state to $6.3 million, the consortium will create the critical foundation for energy storage and battery manufacturing necessary to support the Department of Defense’s (DoD) rapid transformation from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles and beyond. Led by the Economic Growth Institute at the University of [read more]