Initially supported with funding from the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority and bolstered by follow-on funding from university, industry, and federal sources such as the Economic Development Administration and the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Innovation Beehive Network is now held up as a national best model of university collaboration and innovation economic development.
Partners Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Gannon University, Mercyhurst University, Penn State Behrend, and the Blasco Library now have a mature model that has delivered an 11x return on the original investment as well as an impressive record of startup, existing business, and talent development. The Network is now shifting from seed funds to more sustainable models such as operational endowments.