Universities and Their Impact on the Economy and Society

NEW YORK (February 22, 2012) – Both the small German university town of Heidelberg and the metropolis of New York City prioritize academics, research and development as a means of fostering growth and maintaining economic competitiveness in the 21st century and beyond. Prof. Peter Meusburger, whose main research interests include Geography of Knowledge, Science and Education as well as Geography of Labor and Economic Geography, will address the role of academia as a driver of social and economic development, highlighting Universität Heidelberg’s past and future influence as a catalyst for innovation. He will also discuss his recently published Wissenschaftsatlas (“Science Atlas”), which chronicles the relationship between the university’s expansive research facilities, the city, and the global community. Prof. Meusburger serves as Distinguished Senior Professor at Heidelberg.

Euan Robertson will discuss New York City’s most recent policy initiative for academic progress, the highly visible Tech Campus competition, which will unite Cornell University and Technion—Israel Institute of Technology in a cutting-edge campus, to be built on Roosevelt Island in the near future. He is an Executive Vice President at New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) who, alongside colleague Ann Li, leads the Center for Economic Transformation (CET). CET at NYCEDC aims to develop New York City’s major business sectors by implementing policy and programmatic initiatives that address current issues faced by industry, create good jobs, and promote entrepreneurship and economic diversification across the five boroughs. CET works with industry leaders to address the needs of New York City’s businesses by analyzing current economic trends; developing strategies that resolve the challenges facing each sector; and implementing programs that help businesses thrive and grow.

The event will take place on February 29, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the German House New York (871 United Nations Plaza, First Avenue, btw. 48th & 49th Streets). The discussion is organized in joint cooperation with the Heidelberg University Association. Click here to RSVP.

The German Center for Research and Innovation provides information and support for the realization of cooperative and collaborative projects between North America and Germany. With the goal of enhancing communication on the critical challenges of the 21st century, GCRI hosts a wide range of events from lectures and exhibitions to workshops and science dinners. Opened in February 2010, GCRI was created as a cornerstone of the German government’s initiative to internationalize science and research and is one of five centers worldwide. 

Contact:
Andrea Deierlein 
Deierlein@GermanInnovation.org 
(212) 339 8606, ext. 302
www.GermanInnovation.org