Four Erie County universities have been collaborating on a broad variety of projects, to benefit and grow local businesses, since the inception of the Northwestern Pennsylvania, Innovation Beehive Network. With funding coming from the Ignite Erie initiative of the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, along with federal grants, Edinboro University, Gannon University, Mercyhurst University, and Penn State Behrend, each bring a particular asset and expertise to bear, on maximizing business growth and improving the economic health of the region.
Dr. Tony Peyronel of Edinboro University told Joel Natalie on TalkErie.com that the universities’ collaboration is being noted by funders. “I think the fact that we have come together is part of the reason it is attracting funding. It is unique, and we’re proving that it’s a powerful concept,” Peyronel said.
Some 100 businesses have benefited from at least one element of the Innovation Beehive.
