The University of South Carolina Office of Economic Engagement

Meeting Objectives

To seek out a broad range of engagement with corporate partners, government, and economic development organizations looking to collaborate with USC in research partnerships, workforce solutions, innovation support, technology commercialization opportunities, and other forms of advanced engagement.

Organization Profile

The University of South Carolina Office of Economic Engagement is a premier public research institution located in Columbia, South Carolina, serving as the state’s flagship university since its founding in 1801. Renowned for its top-ranked international business programs and elite Honors College, the university holds the prestigious R1 doctoral classification for its exceptionally high research activity. Beyond its academic rigor, the campus offers a vibrant student culture deeply tied to Southeastern Conference (SEC) sports, where students and fans passionately rally behind the Gamecocks. Spanning a historic downtown campus, it combines a rich Southern heritage with cutting-edge innovation, drawing over 35,000 students to its diverse undergraduate and graduate degree tracks.

The University of South Carolina Office of Economic Engagement serves as the university’s central point of connection for industry, researchers, entrepreneurs, and community partners seeking to collaborate with the University of South Carolina (USC). The office facilitates research partnerships, technology commercialization, workforce development, entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development initiatives that help businesses gain access to university expertise, talent, and cutting-edge research resources. Through strategic partnerships and industry engagement, the Office of Economic Engagement supports business growth, innovation, job creation, and long-term economic competitiveness with our partners.

Areas that that align with USC’s core research competencies include neuroscience, pharmacy, advanced manufacturing, advanced materials, energy technologies (batteries & fuel cells), and AI.

Market segments that align with these core areas include, but are not limited to:

1. Health & Life Sciences: Hospitals and health systems; biotechnology and pharmaceuticals; Medical devices and diagnostics
2. Advanced Manufacturing & Materials: Automotive and industrial manufacturing; Advanced materials and composites; Robotics, automation, and smart manufacturing
3. Energy & Utilities: Electric power generation (including nuclear); Renewable and resilient energy systems; Battery and grid technologies
4. Aerospace & Defense: Aerospace engineering and manufacturing; Defense systems and federal research (e.g., NASA, DoD); Autonomous systems and UAVs
5. Supply chain analytics and optimization; Distribution, logistics, and freight systems; Smart transportation technologies