Strategic Plan

How do we accelerate research translation, entrepreneurship, commercialization, and innovation-based economic development at UNC-Chapel Hill? One thing is clear: the university is pioneering unique, innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

Vice Chancellor for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development and Chief Innovation Officer Dedric A. Carter, Ph.D., MBA, is having conversations across campus and within the community to explore how we accelerate research translation, entrepreneurship, commercialization and innovation-based economic development at UNC-Chapel Hill.

As we refine our credible, critical core for innovation – areas where UNC-Chapel Hill has deep expertise and a proven track record of excellence – we’re identifying and investing in opportunities that are both distinguished and distinguishable. As Dr. Carter continues to focus and grow the mission of UNC Innovation and Innovate Carolina, he would like your feedback and input on five key thrusts as we finalize our strategic framework.

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How Our Strategy Aligns

University of North Carolina Strategic Plan

Innovate Carolina’s strategy aligns directly with several of the strategic priorities set forth by the University of North Carolina System as stated in its strategic plan, Higher Expectations, Economic Impact and Community Engagement Section, p. 28. In particular, the priorities that relate to research productivity and the commercialization of technologies (Goal 8) and the strengthening of North Carolina communities (Goal 9) align strongly with the mission of Innovate Carolina. The five primary goals described in the strategic plan include:

  1. Access
  2. Affordability and Efficiency
  3. Student Success
  4. Economic Impact and Community Engagement
  5. Excellent and Diverse Institutions

Carolina Next: Innovations for Public Good

The UNC System’s plan aligns with UNC-Chapel Hill’s strategic plan, Carolina Next: Innovations for Public Good. The plans eight strategic initiatives support various System goals. Innovate Carolina supports numerous pillars and plays an active role in leading a cross-University team in focuses to implement Strategic Initiative 6: Serve to Benefit Society. The eight initiatives in the plan include:

  1. Build Our Community Together
  2. Strengthen Student Success
  3. Enable Career Development
  4. Discover
  5. Promote Democracy
  6. Serve to Benefit Society
  7. Globalize
  8. Optimize Operations

Innovation & Economic Prosperity (IEP) University

A national designation received by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill shows the strong campus-to-community connection that’s made possible through faculty and student innovations that serve the public. On November 11, 2018, the Association of Public Land Grant Universities (APLU) named UNC-Chapel Hill an Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) University. APLU created the IEP designation to help universities codify, elevate and advance their campus enterprise supporting economic development. With this designation, UNC-Chapel Hill joins more than 60 other top institutions that have made an ongoing commitment to economic and community engagement. Learn more about the IEP Universities Program