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However, to create a connected ‘innovation start-up’ environment in the Middle Georgia region the existing innovation centers need to connect with each other in addition to the day-to-day inspiring work that the centers are already carrying out independently. The following themes have arisen from work to date on the project in relation to creating a ‘connected innovation start-up environment’ in the Middle Georgia region.
What we know so far:
How do we create a connected innovation start-up environment in Middle Georgia? What are the practical steps in the short and medium term that need to be taken to create such an environment? Do you have examples of successful methods to create a connected innovation start-up environment from other states?
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For more information about The Middle Georgia Innovation Project, please contact:
Angie Gheesling, Executive Director
Development Authority of Houston County
200 Carl Vinson Parkway
Warner Robins, GA 31088
Phone: (478) 923-5470
gheesling@houstoncountyga.net
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5 Comments
Innovation starts local, but if we don’t have the local innovation ecosystem in place that encourages the development of new ideas and businesses, many potential innovators won’t know how to access the resources they need. Additionally, there needs to be an organization that helps connect the local innovation centers together so each one doesn’t become a silo. The sharing of ideas and resources is critical to building a regional innovation ecosystem, and building a sense of innovation into the population.
Great points Dan. All of these points were brought up in the Start-Up Innovation Ecosystem Meeting 2 earlier. Please keep posting! Deb Socia from The Enterprise Center, Chattanooga especially mentioned the need for someone/some organization to OWN this -someone who wakes up each day and works on activation, placemaking, building collaborations, connecting and networking help for entrepreneurs.
From our work to date, including surveys, focus groups, interviews and now working groups, it seems that there are three themes emerging in relation to the Start-Up Innovation Ecosystem. 1) The Human component – strong leadership, collaboration, mentorship and the messaging of success. 2) Physical proximity and the notion of a geographical innovation corridor. 3) Creating connections and spaces so that collisions that occur are creative.
A healthy and active ecosystem will know when there are start-ups about to bud. A single point of contact, an “ombudsman” for entrepreneurs would notice those buds and immediately ensure connection to the catalysts available.
Absolutely.. there has been much support for a single point of contact!