The Business Engagement Center was established at the University of Michigan in fall 2007 to strengthen the University's ties to business and community partners and to help revitalize and diversify the state of Michigan's economy. The BEC is sponsored jointly by the U-M Office of the Vice President for Research and the Office of University Development.
In May 2008, the Center opened its central office in the Galleria Building on South University Avenue, where it is co-located with the U-M Office of Technology Transfer. A satellite BEC office, in the College of Engineering serves to broaden the organization's outreach to the business community. Together, the offices work to create and expand partnerships with companies by linking business needs with University resources in research, technology, education and student talent on the Ann Arbor, Flint and Dearborn campuses.
The BEC plays a key role as a partner in local economic development and works closely with other organizations, shown below. Through these partnerships, facilitated by the BEC, the University can expand its footprint in the business community by helping to attract, retain and nurture high-growth companies.
To learn more about the BEC works with businesses, click on the video below.
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