; and ; and (2) in paragraph (4), by inserting and retention after creation . 108. Research and technical assistance; university centers Section 207 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 ( 42 U.S.C. 3147 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)(A), by inserting , project predevelopment, after planning ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (c) University centers (1) Establishment In accordance with subsection (a)(2)(D), the Secretary may make grants to institutions of higher education to serve as university centers. (2) Geographic coverage The Secretary shall ensure that the network of university centers established under this subsection provides services in each State. (3) Duties To the maximum extent practicable, a university center established under this subsection shall— (A) collaborate with other university centers; (B) collaborate with economic development districts and other relevant Federal economic development technical assistance and service providers to provide expertise and technical assistance to develop, implement, and support comprehensive economic development strategies and other economic development planning at the local, regional, and State levels, with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and regional economic development; (C) provide technical assistance, business development, and technology transfer services to businesses in the area served by the university center; (D) establish partnerships with 1 or more commercialization intermediaries that are public or nonprofit technology transfer organizations eligible to receive a grant under section 602 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1862s–9 ); (E) promote local and regional capacity building