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Tag: NC in DC

Experts Share Insights on North Carolina’s Place as a Global Economic Leader

Federal policymakers, North Carolina companies and other entities with a vested interest in North Carolina’s economy convened for a recent discussion at the Duke in DC office. Highlighting the importance of a research-based economy, the conversation emphasized the work occurring statewide to maintain North Carolina’s economic competitiveness as a global leader in recruiting and retaining industries and the positive return for investing in those practices.

The panel discussion, moderated by Duke University’s Vice President for Government Relations Chris Simmons, featured comments from Provost Alec Gallimore, Chris Chung from the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina and Sara Lawrence, Director, Economic Development, RTI International.

NC in DC: Bolstering Global Competitiveness through a Research-Based Economy panel discussion at the Duke in DC office. Speakers include Chris Chung, Chief Executive Officer, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina; Alec Gallimore, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Duke University; and Sara Lawrence, Director, Economic Development, RTI International; moderated by Chris Simmons, Vice President for Government Relations, Duke University (Jared Lazarus)

As a world leader in biotechnology, national security, agriculture, healthcare, energy, and more, North Carolina’s strategic research collaborations propel it to the forefront of the global economy.

North Carolina currently ranks among the top 25 economies in the world. Recent data highlights that Duke University alone spends more than $1 billion annually with over 4,000 North Carolina-based vendors and contractors. In FY22, Duke ranked 9th in the nation for total research and development expenditures, surpassing $1.39 billion.

The focus of the panel and dinner discussion was to underscore for federal policymakers the crucial role of industry-academia partnerships in maintaining North Carolina’s research economy. The discussion also highlighted the need for state and federal support to reinforce these efforts.

NC in DC: Bolstering Global Competitiveness through a Research-Based Economy panel discussion at the Duke in DC office. Speakers include Chris Chung, Chief Executive Officer, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina; Alec Gallimore, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Duke University; and Sara Lawrence, Director, Economic Development, RTI International; moderated by Chris Simmons, Vice President for Government Relations, Duke University (Jared Lazarus)

The conversation explored why industries, ranging from electric vehicle manufacturers to life sciences leaders and more, new expansion opportunities in North Carolina., one expert  Given the number of higher education institutions across the state, the panel agreed North Carolina is well-positioned to says it comes down to the abilityallow employers to find a qualified , upskill and retain a workforce, what policymakers can do to help those processes, the answer includes removing the barriers to the workforce, such as: access to childcare and trainings that might help employees succeed.

The panel also discussed how investing in talent impacts not only the large metro areas of North Carolina, but also extends into the most rural communities. North Carolina provides numerous opportunities to examine similar communities and their successes and implement successful economic models across the state. The panel of experts reinforced the need to share research, data and talent to help make North Carolina the next industry hotspot.

NC in DC: Bolstering Global Competitiveness through a Research-Based Economy panel discussion at the Duke in DC office. Speakers include Chris Chung, Chief Executive Officer, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina; Alec Gallimore, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Duke University; and Sara Lawrence, Director, Economic Development, RTI International; moderated by Chris Simmons, Vice President for Government Relations, Duke University (Jared Lazarus)

The conclusion of NC in DC highlighted the power of Duke University as a convener as attendees engaged in meaningful conversations and connections extending beyond the panel. Through programs like this, Duke remains a purposeful partner in showcasing that businesses, policymakers, and higher education professionals alike are working together to bolster North Carolina’s global competitiveness through a research-based economy.

Provost Alec Gallimore Visits Washington D.C.

Provost Alec Gallimore traveled to Washington at the end of June to advocate for federal research funding, global education, and other pressing issues with federal policymakers.

Gallimore met with a number of officials, alumni and others to discuss a wide range of issues, including funding for scientific research, immigration and international engagement. He was joined by Vice President for Government Relations Chris Simmons and Associate Vice President for Government Relations Melissa Vetterkind. In addition to meetings with staff at the White House Office of Science and Technology, the Duke delegation also spent time with officials from the State Department and the National Science Foundation.

Duke Provost Alec Gallimore speaks with
Melissa Vetterkind, associate vice president of the office of government relations, and Chris Simmons, vice president for government relations, outside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, DC.

Vetterkind said that Gallimore’s scientific expertise allowed for robust conversations on the current state of the nation’s global leadership in science and technology, saying, “Global competitiveness is top of mind in DC these days, and this was a great opportunity to have Provost Gallimore lend his voice and expertise in making the case that strong federal investments in fundamental research and policies that encourage international collaborations are core elements of the country’s economic engine and global leadership.”

Also during the trip, Gallimore participated in a panel discussion at Duke in DC, “NC in DC: Bolstering Global Competitiveness through a Research-Based Economy.”The discussion was moderated by Simmons and included leaders from North Carolina’s economic development sector, including Chris Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and Sara Lawrence, Director of Economic Development at RTI International. Participants discussed how North Carolina’s commitment to academic excellence fuels its dynamic research-based economy and helps strengthen the state’s economic competitiveness on both a national and global scale. 

NC in DC: Bolstering Global Competitiveness through a Research-Based Economy panel discussion at the Duke in DC office. Speakers include Chris Chung, Chief Executive Officer, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina; Alec Gallimore, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Duke University; and Sara Lawrence, Director, Economic Development, RTI International; moderated by Chris Simmons, Vice President for Government Relations, Duke University

For the remainder of the week, the provost attended the New Global Universities Summit, also held at Duke in DC. The event, which was organized by Vice Provost Yakut Gazi and Associate Provost Noah Pickus, convened leaders of universities launched in the last 25 years, including founders, presidents, and provosts from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America and the Middle East.

Regarding the trip and the meetings and events in Washington, Gallimore said, “My visit to Washington was an excellent opportunity to engage with key experts and decision-makers and discuss how we can work together on funding for scientific research, economic development in North Carolina, global education, and other strategic priorities. Our strong presence in the nation’s capital, including Duke in DC, is a tremendous asset in developing these important relationships.”


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