IC² Best Practices Series

The IC² Best Practices Series shares insights from experts in community and economic development. Hear from a wide range of interviewees—from entrepreneurs, professors, philanthropists, and community leaders—as they discuss their experiences and ideas on economic development in the areas of workforce, broadband, education, health, media, and more.

IC² is committed to our mission to better understand and support remote and rural communities across Texas, U.S., and beyond. We partner and collaborate with experts and practitioners across sectors plus catalyze faculty research at the University of Texas focused on economic recovery and regional collaboration. Learn more about our recent efforts including Regional Economic Recovery Initiative, Home to Texas, and the Regional XLR8.

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Ellen Ray – The Future of Rural Texas

February 4, 2021

Ellen Ray, Executive Director of the Still Water Foundation and Chair of the Texas Rural Funders, shares her work on the front lines of creating positive change for rural Texas in conversation with Riffat Manasia of the Institute.Watch

Dr. Craig Watkins – Incubators, Coworking, and Maker Spaces

January 19, 2021

Dr. Craig Watkins, Professor at the Moody College of Communication, shares how communities outside urban areas can benefit from co-working in conversation with Riffat Manasia of the IC² Institute.Watch

Joseph Kopser – Being a Catalyst: Networks and Connections

January 4, 2021

Joseph Kopser, a veteran, entrepreneur, and strategist, shares how to become a catalyst for change in your community in conversation with Riffat Manasia of the IC² Institute. Watch

Steven Pedigo – Re-thinking the Playbook for Resilience

December 15, 2020

Steven Pedigo, Assistant Professor at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, shares how communities outside urban areas can re-think development practices in conversation with Riffat Manasia of the IC² Institute.Watch

Dr. Craig Watkins – Millennials in a Post-Pandemic World

November 28, 2020

Dr. Craig Watkins, Professor at the Moody College of Communication, shares how millennials have an important role to play in a post-pandemic world in conversation with Riffat Manasia of the IC² Institute.Watch