History of EDGE
Oklahoma’s EDGE (Economic Development Generating Excellence) was developed in late 2003 by hundreds of Oklahomans from across the state, providing a blueprint for our state’s future. The 2004 EDGE Action Plan summarized high-priority recommendations from the blueprint. Since then, more than 100 initiatives have been undertaken to implement the EDGE action plan. Clearly, EDGE continues to serve as an effective blueprint for Oklahoma's economic growth.
A cooperative spirit has been the hallmark of the EDGE process from the beginning. Gov. Brad Henry launched the initiative in cooperation with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Throughout the EDGE project, approximately 2,400 Oklahomans have participated in the process that has led to these recommendations.
CREATE THE RESEARCH CAPITAL OF THE PLAINS
The 2004 Economic Development Generating Action Plan from Governor Henry stated that the EDGE endowment will transform Oklahoma into the “Research Capital of the Plains.” Investments from the $1 billion endowment will fund all the key actions that will allow Oklahoma to become a center of powerful research that will support a vigorous economy—this is the single most important action that Oklahoma can take to thrust itself into a business leadership position. When fully funded, an endowment of $1 billion could generate $35 million to $40 million per year.
- Create an EDGE Endowment of $1 billion to support research and the transfer of innovation and technology to the private sector.
- This strategic investment will transform Oklahoma into the “Research Capital of the Plains.”
- Research results will be directed toward innovation that will strengthen current Oklahoma businesses and create businesses that are likely to remain in the state.
