Our experience has shown that successful economic development is a partnership that involves all aspects of a community.  Our staff works in partnership with state and federal economic development agencies, planning district commissions, local governments, as well as businesses and community leaders to realize a brighter and more vibrant future for all.

Each community or business is different.  We work with each group to help them identify their goals and then fine tune a plan of action that will achieve those goals.  This can include feasibility and economic impact studies, sustainable development, community entrepreneurship, as well as industry cluster analysis and specific industry based research projects.  Drawing on the expertise of over 2000 faculty members allows us to meet the needs of almost any community or organization.

We also provide specialized training for economic development and planning professionals.  In addition to our community activities, the department staff teaches at the undergraduate and graduate levels and publish its research findings.  We distribute this and other information regularly in the OED Newsletter as way to build on the knowledge at work at Virginia Tech.

OED Goals

• Engage the university’s intellectual and physical assets with the needs of communities, local, regional, and state governments, economic development organizations, non-profit organizations, and companies to advance community development and private sector productivity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. 
• Provide technical assistance and applied research to local governments, economic development organizations, non-profit organizations, and businesses, with particular emphasis given to economically distressed areas in Southside and Southwest Virginia.
• Serve as an entry point for external organizations to access the intellectual and physical assets of the university.
• Increase professional and leadership development opportunities for economic development professionals, economic development organization governing boards, and local government representatives.
• Disseminate best practices in university-based and technology-focused economic development. 

For more information on how Virginia Tech can help to improve the performance of your organization, contact:

Virginia Tech
Office of Economic Development
702 University City Blvd. (Mail Code 0373)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Phone (540) 231-5278
Fax (540) 231-8850
E-mail econdev@vt.edu