The Northeastern Economic Developers Association (NEDA) is publishing a White Paper in conjunction with its 2008 Annual Conference from September 21 to 23 in Buffalo, New York. The theme for the 2008 White Paper, "Universities as Engines of Economic Development," will focus on how to leverage the resources of universities to foster economic development. It will profile ways communities and economic development organizations have worked with universities to generate effective strategies, partnerships and best practices to use universities as engines of local and regional development. Papers are invited to address one or more of the following topics: * General issues, trends & best practices related to universities and economic development * Case studies of successful university-community partnerships or university-based economic development projects, programs, or initiatives * Best practices in the design and implementation of university-based economic development programs or university-economic development partnerships * Innovative state, regional or local policies, programs or approaches to leverage universities as engines of economic development * Innovative approaches to strategic planning for university-based economic development * Evaluations or studies on the economic development impact of universities or university-based economic development projects or programs. Articles can range from 1,000 to 5,000 words. Articles with graphic materials are encouraged. Authors should submit an abstract of the proposed article, a statement of its significance to the economic development field and its expected length via e-mail to [email protected]. Submissions must include the name, organizational affiliation, address, phone number and e-mail address of the author. Final drafts of accepted articles must be submitted in electronic version by August 22. NEDA reserves the right to reject any submission and to make final edits to any submitted article.