In an ambitious effort to reshape innovation and economic development, the National Science Foundation launched its Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) Program—an initiative designed to catalyze economic growth by fostering collaboration between higher education institutions, industry, and government. The Expanding Pathways to Innovation and Collaboration (EPIIC) program—part of NSF Engines—is designed to build infrastructure at emerging research institutions so they can meaningfully engage in their local innovation ecosystems.

A Framework for Growing Innovation

“NSF Engines is a once-in-a-lifetime, generational investment to enhance and scale economic development across the United States,” says Susan Renoe, Executive Director of the NSF-funded Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society, which is tasked with providing logistical support for EPIIC.

 “EPIIC was designed to expand partnerships between emerging research institutions, industry and government agencies to ensure greater participation in the regional innovation ecosystem,” says Renoe.

^{EPIIC cohorts discuss their work as part of the program at the first-ever PI meeting that took place in December 2024. Image credit: Andrés Harris}

Support Beyond Traditional Grant Writing

A key distinction of EPIIC is that it doesn’t simply provide funding for emerging research institutions—it offers strategic, hands-on support throughout the proposal development process. “It’s not so much grant-writing workshops,” says Kimberly Eck, Senior Director of the NORDP Consultants Program—a group of research development professionals that collaborate closely with the EPIIC teams to guide them through the entire proposal development process, rather than just training them and leaving them to work independently. “Instead, the proposal development process is a set of catalytic activities aimed at supporting emerging research institutions in building innovation capacity.” 

This includes ideation—identifying program-aligned ideas and fostering cohesion among participating institutions. They also provide hands-on proposal development support through coaching and a toolkit, which includes examples, sample materials, and planning tools. Additional support for the teams includes a “budget doctor” who drafts feasibility budgets in real time and offers post-meeting guidance, an evaluation expert who provides feedback on evaluation planning during in-person sessions, as well as Partnership and Innovation Advisors who help them design their programming and build partnerships.

Perhaps most important, these institutions aren’t competing against R1s for funding, but rather competing among like-sized institutions, which levels the playing field and allows for more equitable access to resources.

Real-World Impact

While EPIIC is still in its early stages, its impact is already evident. For some institutions, participating in EPIIC has resulted in their first-ever NSF grant. Others have gained national recognition, securing invitations to present on Capitol Hill or expanding their regional economic initiatives.

With the third round of EPIC currently underway, its reach continues to grow. More institutions are being equipped with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to engage in high-impact research collaborations.

The Road Ahead

Though research development support ends once awards are granted, discussions are already underway to extend post-award support. The first principal investigator’s meeting was held in December of 2024. As EPIIC continues to evolve, one thing is clear—it’s more than just a funding mechanism. It’s a movement toward a more expansive innovation ecosystem, where all institutions—regardless of size or resources—can contribute to economic growth.