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WV Forward thanks Walton Family Foundation Fellow for visiting WV on how universities can best grow jobs, prosperity

Universities can help grow jobs and regional economies in big ways. 

Economic research expert and Walton Family Foundation Fellow, Ross DeVol, came to West Virginia last week to discuss how research universities can contribute to jobs, innovation and economic prosperity. WV Forward representatives, WVU researchers, and other leaders met with Ross DeVol to plan specific steps to move entrepreneurial and research activities forward and grow our GDP in real ways. Adding just one year of college to a region's workforce, jumps the GDP by an impressive 17.4% (Source: Milken Institute). 

Devol noted that the most successful efforts in driving economic development are those that work together through a shared, strategic vision. Devol also recognized the value of  WV Forward's blueprint of fostering economic catalysts through public-private partnerships, commercialization of research and development, access to venture capital and improvements to human capital and education -- all top ways to create a sustainable innovation ecosystem.

Action items developed are being refined and will be implemented throughout 2019. 

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*Citations available upon request.