Wallace Meyer, Jr., Director of Entrepreneurship Programs, University of Kansas Center for Research, Lawrence, KS

1. Special Presentation to
EDA Denver
and
Regional University Centers
Wally Meyer
KU/IPSR
April 2023

2. Overview
• The KU UC works in:
• Technical Assistance
• Multiple economic development programs
• Research
• Kansas Data Portal provides census,
demographic and relevant statistics to support
EDDs, economic development organizations
• Special Projects
• Wide array of economic development and
justification studies, research to benefit society
• Broadband Study to provide KS legislators with
direction for Fed funds investment
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3. How the KU UC Interacts with KU and KS
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4. A Super Mini Results Synopsis
Currently assisting 70 firms find new mgmt.,
completed 97 transactions, saved 884 jobs
Incubating 18 student new businesses
Assisted 100+ KS businesses grow,
reduce costs, hire new employees
• KS Statistical Abstract
• US Census; GIS Mapping
• Special Projects:
• Broadband Access
• Jumpstarted biotech
commercialization
• Model for SHARPhub

5. The CURE Program:
Commercializing University Research through Entrepreneurship
• Biotech startup school for research faculty, staff
• Initially for KU, CMH, Truman Medical Centers
• Expanded to include medical centers in OK, NB, SD, ND
• Results:
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6. Special Projects: Broadband Access in KS
Purpose:
• Provide accurate assessment of delivery (access, adequacy, affordability, user satisfaction) across Kansas
Methodology:
• Studied existing reports, conducted focus groups, fielded own survey (6700 respondents, across KS)
Key Findings:
• Significant urban vs. rural divide of broadband delivery quality
• 1M Kansans lack access to acceptable high-speed service (min upload/download: 100/20 mpbs)
• >50% connect at only 25/3 mpbs
• 46% report dissatisfaction with broadband service (cost, speed, alternatives)
• Currently accepted service maps (FCC, American Community Survey) are inaccurate

7. Claimed ≠ Actual Service Speeds

8. Broadband Access in KS: Conclusions
Lack of competition impedes better service delivery
• 1/3 of Kansans have only single ISP choice
Willingness to pay more not a barrier to better services
• Majority of respondents would pay more for increased speeds
Broadband access is no longer a luxury; required for work, education, economic development
State must invest in digital equity
• Increased competition among broadband providers
• Residential programs with alternative speeds and costs should be offered
• Libraries, as islands for broadband access, must have acceptable broadband delivery
https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/bitstream/handle/1808/34031/Broadband_In_Kansas_2023_IPSR.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y

9. Net Takeaways
• More businesses saved from shuttering
• More new ventures launched
• More data provided to economic development
organizations
• More jobs created
• Enhanced quality of life created, particularly in
rural areas
• The EDA and KU UC partnership is working.