At more than $195 million, UND's research enterprise delivers bigger economic kick to region, state in FY2009

The University of North Dakota’s research enterprise had a state and regional economic impact of just over $195.3 million in FY2009, an increase of $21.2 million over last year, according to a report commissioned by the UND Office of Vice President for Research and Economic Development. The report was released last week as part of the Annual Report of Sponsored Program Activity.

The $195.3 million economic impact figure includes $47.76 million in Grand Forks County, $14.14 million elsewhere in North Dakota, and $38 million in a five-state area, according to report author David Flynn, associate professor of economics and director of the UND-based Bureau of Business and Economic Research in the College of Business and Public Administration. The remainder of the economic impact is $95.39 in sponsored program expenditures at UND.

The University’s research activity in fiscal year 2009 also funded 1,648 jobs, including 808 at UND and an additional 504 jobs in Grand Forks County, 123 elsewhere in North Dakota, and 213 additional jobs outside of the state and within the North Central Region.  UND sponsored programs created 1,435 jobs within North Dakota.  All of this UND research-related activity also generated about $19.3 million in federal and state tax revenue.

“These data show that research is not just an ‘ivory tower. activity.  It makes a significant contribution to the economic well-being of our community, of North Dakota, and even beyond.  Often, the results of research can also be used to develop new products and create new business, leading to further economic impact.,” said Dr. Phyllis E. Johnson, UND Vice President for Research and Economic Development.