UK Economic Development Collaborative to host 2026 State of the EDC
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 10, 2026) — The University of Kentucky Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) will host the 2026 State of the EDC 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at The Cornerstone, convening university and regional leaders, partners and stakeholders to examine the future of economic development in Kentucky.
The annual event will present findings from the EDC’s comprehensive five-year review, completed in the second half of 2025, and outline how those findings are informing strategic changes to the organization moving forward. Registration is required and available online. A virtual option is also available for those who register.
“Over the past five years, the Economic Development Collaborative has grown from a collection of bold ideas into a powerful engine for partnership, innovation and opportunity,” said George Ward, EDC chair and UK associate vice president of economic development and real estate. “This review has been a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come and, more importantly, to listen to our community. That feedback is shaping a stronger, more connected EDC — one that is focused on driving economic growth, elevating local talent and expanding the university’s impact across the Commonwealth. We’re excited for this next chapter and the work ahead.”
The program will also include an overview of Advancing Kentucky Together (AKT), the UK-led statewide partnership that connects organizations around a shared mission of building a stronger, healthier Kentucky. Through the AKT Network, the university and its partners are aligning ideas, resources and expertise to improve lives in every region of the state, creating a model for how a public university serves its people.
“Aligning the Economic Development Collaborative with the Advancing Kentucky Together Network strengthens our ability to drive meaningful, statewide impact,” said Melody Flowers, EDC co-chair and UK assistant vice president of economic development and real estate. “AKT unites partners around expanding opportunity and improving well‑being across Kentucky. By integrating our economic development strategies with AKT’s collaborative framework, we ensure our economic development efforts help build a stronger, healthier and more prosperous Commonwealth.”
Additional highlights include a presentation on the economic outlook for Kentucky by Michael W. Clark, Ph.D., director of the Center for Business and Economic Research and an associate professor of economics at UK’s Gatton College of Business and Economics. This will be followed by a panel discussion on target industry markets for the state and region — biotech/pharma, agricultural technology, advanced manufacturing and health care — moderated by Melody Flowers.
Coffee, treats and networking will follow the formal program. Attendees can also read the newly published 2025 EDC Annual Report, which will be released in conjunction with the event.
The State of the EDC provides an opportunity to reflect on progress, share insights and engage the broader community in conversations about Kentucky’s economic future.
Registration information for both in-person and virtual attendance is available online.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.