Accelerating Innovation

Jobs Growth and Competitiveness Plan Released by the Washington Economic Development Commission

Washington State can accelerate job growth and become the leading innovation hotspot of the world. So concludes the Washington Economic Development Commission's final report, Driving Washington's Prosperity -- A Strategy for Job Creation and Competitiveness.

In accepting the commission's report, Governor Inslee observed: "This is a new era for economic development, an era where embracing innovation, inclusiveness and accountability brings out the best in us." He added, "I appreciate the Commission's efforts to set this foundation for our state's future economic opportunity, jobs and quality of life."

In short, the plan offers a roadmap for the state to differentiate itself, attract new investment and help grow family wage jobs. According to Commission chairman Roger Woodworth, "Growth is stronger when resources are leveraged for impact and aligned with a cohesive policy framework. A focus on fundamentals, coupled with leadership and a long view, will yield a more resilient economy for our state," he said.

Among the Commission's findings, the state's substantial economic development efforts have tended to be short-term, narrowly focused, and rarely coordinated across agencies. Commission Executive Director, Egils Milbergs observed that, "Rigorous evaluation of economic development programs is infrequent, limiting the evidence policy makers and taxpayers need to judge performance. We can and must do better if we're to unleash creativity, accelerate job growth, and secure our technological leadership over foreign competitors."

The Commission's report advances a strategy to overcome this fragmented approach to economic development, identifying five key drivers for ensuring job creation and competitiveness:

• Make talent a top priority
• Invest in entrepreneurship
• Connect through reliable infrastructure
• Regulate in the smartest ways
• Expand international business

The report includes an analysis of the State's competitive strengths (such as in research and development, patent production, technology jobs growth, venture capital investment, manufacturing and exports) and weaknesses (such as in the rate of jobs recovery particularly in rural regions, in-state production of scientists and engineers, workforce skills, household income, investment in transportation infrastructure and foreign direct investment).

The Commission prepares the legislatively authorized report every other year. This year's plan is the result of multi-stakeholder dialogue among leaders in business, education, labor, economic development, and government. More than 650 stakeholders participated at 15 regional strategy forums.

Below are links to the strategy report and the series of evaluation reports to inform the plan and economic development mission of the State.

Driving Washington's Prosperity: A Strategy for Job Creation and Competitiveness

http://www.wedc.wa.gov/Download%20files/2013StrategicPlan.pdf

Economic Development Programs and Investments: Review of Evaluation Practices in Washington State http://www.wedc.wa.gov/Download%20files/Evaluation_Practices.pdf

Vital Signs for Economic Development http://www.wedc.wa.gov/Download%20files/Vital_Signs_for_Economic_Development.pdf

Innovation Sources, Practices, and Economic Development Programs Serving the Needs of Businesses: A Survey of Businesses and Recommendations

http://www.wedc.wa.gov/Download%20files/WEDC_SURVEY_OF_BUSINESSES.pdf

The Washington Economic Development Commission (WEDC) is an independent, non‐partisan commission established to assist the governor and legislature by providing leadership, direction, and guidance on a long‐term and systematic approach to economic development that will result in enduring global competitiveness, prosperity and economic opportunity for all the state's citizens. For more information on the state's economic development strategy, policy reports, meeting schedules and status of recommendations visit Washington Economic Development Commission at www.WEDC.wa.gov.

2013 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence Awarded to Walla Community College

Washington, DC, March 19, 2013 – The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program announced today that Santa Barbara City College (CA) and Walla Walla Community College (WA) are co-winners of the 2013 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The two winners, along with the two finalists-with-distinction, were selected from the nation's more than 1,000 public community colleges. Santa Barbara City College and Walla Walla Community College will each receive a $400,000 prize to support their programs, while finalists-with-distinction, Kingsborough Community College – CUNY (Brooklyn, NY) and Lake Area Technical Institute (Watertown, SD), will each receive $100,000.

As the nation's signature recognition of high achievement and performance in America's community colleges, the Prize recognizes institutions for outstanding achievement in four areas: student learning outcomes, degree completion, labor market success in securing good jobs after college, and facilitating minority and low-income student success.

The Washington Economic Development Commission joined in the congratulations for this prestigious award. Steve van Ausdle, president of Walla Walla Community College, serves as the commission's vice-chair.

Dr. Jill Biden, Second Lady of the United States, joined John Engler, president of Business Roundtable and former Governor of Michigan, Richard Riley, former US Secretary of Education and South Carolina Governor, and Rich Karlgaard, publisher of Forbes magazine, at the Newseum in Washington, DC in celebrating the program and the hard work of the applicants. The winners were selected by a Prize Jury of 12 prominent leaders in education, business, civil rights, and public service. 

"Santa Barbara City College and Walla Walla Community College offer outstanding models for achieving exceptional levels of student success at a time when our nation needs community colleges to do even more than they have in the past. The Prize co-winners are especially strong in two key areas every community college aims to achieve: preparing students for jobs and to transfer to four-year colleges," said Josh Wyner, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute's College Excellence Program. "At Santa Barbara City College, faculty and staff are providing students just what they need to transfer and complete a four-year degree – a rigorous classroom education surrounded by first-rate supports from remedial math to college level writing. Walla Walla Community College's visionary leaders stay on top of local economic job trends and job growth, and the entire college provides the kind of excellent training that students need to access well-paying jobs and that employers know will ensure future investments in the regional economy will pay off."

Nearly half of America's college students attend community college, with more than seven million students – youth and adult learners – enrolled across America, working toward degrees and certificates. 

LINK: http://www.wwcc.edu/CMS/index.php?id=2782&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=331&tx_ttnews[backPid]=2771&cHash=9c35b27af57270df4685b800627b14d8

Governor Inslee launches plan for bolstering job creation and economic growth

Governor Jay Inslee has put forward a bold plan for revitalizing the Washington economy and creating jobs.  The key principles of the plan are strongly aligned with the economic development strategy developed by the Washington Economic Development Commission. Governor  Inslee said that innovation, human intellectual capital and better alignment with the industries of the future are the foundations for his five focus areas: 1) education; 2) business climate and workforce; 3) aerospace;  4) clean energy, climate action and water; and 5) health care. Representatives Jeff Morris (chair) and Norma Smith (ranking member) of the House Technology and Economic Development Committee and ex-officio members of the Economic Development Commission participated in today's roll-out press conference. Governor Inslee "Washington Jobs" Press Conference

 "We applaud the commitment Governor Inslee gives to innovation, STEM education, efficient regulations, freight mobility, start-up businesses, energy efficiency and alternatives, and investing in a workforce better matched to the demands of our increasingly knowledge intense industries," stated Egils Milbergs, executive director of the independent 24-member Commission. "These are significant proposals for guiding policy and budget priorities to give rise to more jobs and our future competitive advantages."  

The Commission's long term economic development strategy is aimed at "making Washington state the most attractive, fertile and creative investment climate for innovation in the world."   The Commission also invests in bio-fuels, energy efficiency, energy storage and smart grid research teams at the University of Washington and Washington State University through the STARs program.  The WEDC sets designation criteria and performance metrics for a network of regionally led Innovation Partnership Zones targeted to strengthen the innovation capacity of industry clusters.  Read more about the Washington Economic Development Commission at www.WEDC.wa.gov, Washington State STARS program at www.WASTARS.org and the Innovation Partnership Program at www.ChooseWashington.com.

Driving Washington’s Job Creation, Competitiveness and Prosperity

We must do better…. Washington state is among the most innovative regions in the world, home to forward-thinking firms and a magnet for creative talent. However, the overall pace of job recovery from the great recession is tepid and unemployment levels remain unacceptably high. Innovative and lean approaches which align programs and services with stakeholder needs are required. The starting point is to adopt and sustain a clear, cohesive, and proactive strategy. The Washington Economic Development Commission has approved a final draft report—Driving Washington's Prosperity: Strategy for Job Creation and Competitiveness-- which includes recommendations for growing jobs by boosting the state's competitiveness. It is the product of an in-depth collaboration among leaders in business, education, labor, regional economic development, and government. Over 650 stakeholders provided input at 15 regional strategy forums. The Commission identified five key economic drivers for ensuring job creation and competitiveness. They are:

 

1. Make talent a top priority
2. Invest in entrepreneurship
3. Connect through reliable infrastructure
4. Regulate in the smartest ways
5. Expand international business

 

For each driver, the report presents a roadmap of policy priorities. The recommendations are not all dependent on new funding; more important is to align current resources in ways that are directly responsive to sector and regional needs. In short, the alignment must drive private-sector job creation, lean and efficient regulations, and expanded trade. If we do this we will do better.

 

LINK to website and report: www.wedc.wa.gov

The World Will Not Wait

Job creation, innovation and bringing disrupting change to Olympia were major themes in Governor Jay Inslee's inaugural address to a joint session of the Legislature Wednesday. "We must move, swiftly and boldly, to put this recession behind us and bring forward a unique economic strategy that brings the best of Washington State to the world," said Inslee. "A new world economy is emerging from the depths of this recession, and while its contours and relationships are not fully understood to us, we do know two things. One - with our uniquely powerful fusion of values and talents, Washington State has the potential to lead the next wave of world-changing innovations. Two. The world will not wait for us….We truly live in extraordinary times. We also live in an extraordinary state, filled with extraordinary people. We have a spirit of innovation here in Washington that has changed the world…and you know what? We are not done."

Read Gov. Inslee's Inaugural Address (PDF)

Jay Inslee sworn in as Washington governor | KING5.com Seattle

Washington ranks 3rd, behind Massachusetts and Delaware in 2012 New Economy Innovation Index

The 2012 State New Economy Index showcases the regions that are at the forefront of the nation's movement toward a global, innovation-based New Economy. The index, produced by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), ranks states on a series of indicators that analyze the environment for innovation and high-tech job growth.

The top five states in this year's index are Massachusetts, Delaware, Washington, California and Maryland. Mississippi and West Virginia have lagged the most in making the transition to the New Economy.

The State New Economy Index uses 26 indicators in five categories to assess states' fundamental capacity to transform their economies and incubate innovation. The categories are: knowledge jobs, globalization, economic dynamism, the digital economy and innovation capacity. The authors argue that state strategies should focus on establishing policies that reduce within-state zero-sum competition, spur "win-win" economic results that benefit the local and national economy, and enhance state-federal innovation-based economic development partnerships.

"In today's highly competitive environment states must work together and with the federal government to overhaul their economic development policies," says Robert Atkinson, president of ITIF and co-author of the Index. "Too often, states still view their economic competitors as next door, rather than halfway around the world. If, instead, they used incentives to expand broadband, support entrepreneurial assistance programs, or invest in research and technology transfer, they – and the nation as a whole – would be far more globally competitive."

To view the full report visit: http://www.itif.org/publications/2012-state-new-economy-index

Washington Wins First Place Innovations Award from Council of State Governments

The Council of State Governments choose the Innovation Partnership Zone (IPZ) program of Washington State as a winner of the 2012 CSG Innovations Award. The award was accepted by Senator Jim Kastama, chair of the WA Senate Economic Development, Trade and Innovation Committee and Egils Milbergs, executive director, Washington Economic Development Commission. Innovation Partnership Zones (IPZs) are formally designated areas wherein businesses, government, and academic institutions work together to promote economic development. The zones are designed around specific industry clusters within geographic regions in the state. IPZs are "organically" driven partnerships administered at the local level by an economic development council, port, workforce development council, city, or county. The administering agency and partners develop a business plan and apply to the state department of commerce to be designated an IPZ. IPZs reapply every four years to keep that designation. Currently, there are 15 IPZs targeting a variety of commercially important technical fields, including green IT, medical devices, interactive media, financial services, clean transportation, global health, sustainable manufacturing, alternative energy, viticulture, water management, and aerospace.

Link to the IPZ web site: http://choosewashingtonstate.com/i-need-help-with/site-selection/innovation-partnership-zones/

Contact Jerri Smith, Department of Commerce, (360) 725-4049, Jerri.Smith@commerce.wa.gov or Egils Milbergs, Executive Director, Washington Economic Development Commission, 360-586-5661, egilsm@wedc.wa.gov.

Founded in 1933, The Council of State Governments is the nation's only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy.

Washington State is No.1 in Broadband Index

​Washington State ranks number one in the nation for broadband adoption, network speeds and economic structure according to a study released today by TechNet, a network of CEOs and senior executives that promote the growth of technology-led innovation. The study cites leadership, planning, cooperation and state funding as keys to success.

"The state's ranking reflects state broadband planning going back to 2008 and more than $2.3 billion in public and private investment in infrastructure and training during that period," said Will Saunders, program and policy director for the Washington State Broadband Office. "The study also confirms that we are ideally positioned for economic growth based on this work."

The state's index rating is based on measures that "promote economic development, build strong communities, improve delivery of government services and upgrade educational programs," according to the study's lead researcher, John B. Horrigan. Horrigan helped write the National Broadband Plan and was a researcher for the Pew Internet and American Life Project.

A high broadband adoption rate (77 percent in 2010), network speeds as measured by Akamai, and the state economy's orientation to broadband including information, communication and technology jobs all contributed to Washington's ranking. The full report is available at www.technet.org

More information about broadband in Washington State can be found at www.broadband.wa.gov. The Washington State Broadband Office is part of the Washington State Department of Commerce.

Building a World-Class Innovation Ecosystem: An Update on Washington’s Economic Development Strategy

"Building a World Class Innovation Ecosystem" updates the Washington Economic Development Commission's first strategy report, The Washington Innovation Economy (February 2009). In this latest draft we assess our progress, benchmark Washington's economic performance and offer recommendations for economic transformation to the world's greatest innovation ecosystem. This final draft is the basis for over sixteen strategy and feedback sessions the WEDC is currently conducting around the state to prioritize its final recommendations to the next Governor and legislative session.

 

Building a World-Class Innovation Ecosystem Report

 

Overall Context of Report

Our state is at a critical juncture. There are signs that our economy is starting to recover from the Great Recession, creating new business and employment opportunities across all areas of the state. However, the outlook is still uncertain and the overarching imperative for accelerating the recovery is the implementation of an integrated and comprehensive strategy for sustained growth.

The first step in transforming our economy is to be realistic about the challenges. Not only do we have to restore the thousands of jobs lost to the recession, we also have to create thousands of new jobs over the coming decade. It's clear that in many industries the same jobs will not be coming back. Equally clear is the futility of hoping for "cyclical recovery" – simply hanging on to the coattails of a national economic recovery would be a short-sighted.

By transforming our economic development model and the policies that drive it, we can take advantage of immediate opportunities and position our state for long-term economic growth. This transformation requires a thoughtful approach to setting priorities in a time of fiscal constraints – so that we don't overlook important fundamentals of long-term prosperity. It also requires collaboration among business, government, research and education; policy creativity; and strong leadership. We call this transformative process building an innovation ecosystem – an economic environment in which strategy, collaboration, creativity, and leadership coalesce to help grow businesses – and jobs. The architecture of the innovation ecosystem must be driven by private- sector jobs, and fueled by investment in innovation, new workforce skills, modern infrastructure, and exports. This requires a fundamental reset of policy focused on the talent we need, innovating in high-potential areas, producing and manufacturing more of what we invent, and exporting more. No single institution will lead the way. The next economy will be led not from the top, but from the bottom up. We see an opportunity for leaders in business, government, research, and education across Washington to step forward to implement revolutionary – not incremental – change. Countless organizations, communities and innovators, thinking and interacting within a larger system, of which they are a part, will evolve the innovation economy. This capability of seeing the economic development system as a whole –and collaborating across boundaries – will be the essential insight and tool for the state's future prosperity. The pillars of our future prosperity – talent and workforce, investment and entrepreneurship, infrastructure and regulations, and international business – require clarity of vision and alignment of efforts. With such leadership, public and private sector confidence will grow, and our state's growth and job creation will increase.

Our competitive strength depends on our capacity for knowledge creation, a business climate conducive to transforming knowledge into successful products and services, and an effectively trained workforce. We also need strong regulatory and infrastructure systems that support productivity, growth and expansion of global trade. The Commission's recommendations in this report are not all dependent on new funding; what is more important is making funding more predictable and more flexible. In particular, we call for more "local leadership" and financing tools at the regional level to raise necessary capital for each region's unique economic development objectives and priorities. We also consider it essential for the business community to take a more active strategic leadership role for the industries and clusters in which they participate. If the recommendations are successfully implemented, we are confident that business performance will be enhanced, jobs will be generated, higher wages will be paid, and exports will increase.

Our vision for Washington is a place where citizens have access to the best learning resources in the world and are encouraged to capitalize on their abilities to create prosperity for themselves and for others. It is a place that has a global outlook, looking to emerging markets and nurturing collaboration across its diverse geography and industry clusters. It is a place that is a magnet for creative and entrepreneurial people and enterprises – where innovation is open and everyone can participate and share in its benefits. If we get it right, we have outstanding potential for economic, job and income growth.

 

Please review the innovation roadmap at the link below and we welcome your feedback.

 

Building a World Class Innovation Ecosystem Report

Congressman Norm Dicks to Talk Cyber Security Initiatives at West Sound Technology Association Summit

Congressman Norm Dicks, representing the 6th District of Washington State, will discuss U.S. cyber security initiatives during the 11th annual West Sound Technology Association (WSTA) summit taking place on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 from 4:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Kitsap Conference Center in Bremerton, Washington. Western Washington Summit 2012: Innovation & Leadership will focus on initiatives and public policies that advance American business and help shore up the economy. A full slate of speakers will join Congressman Dicks.

Gary Shapiro, CEO and President of the Consumer Electronics Association and

bestselling author of The Comeback: How Innovation Will Restore the American

Dream will deliver the keynote address.

Derek Kilmer, Washington State Senator - 26th Legislative District, on technology and

innovation in a changing economy.

Egils Milbergs, Washington Economic Development Commission, on building a world-class

innovation ecosystem.

John Powers, Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, on creating globally competitive

communities.

Patty Lent, Mayor of City of Bremerton, on local government innovations that do more

with less.

"West Sound Technology Association is driving a technology future for the West Sound," says WSTA President, Charles Keating. Technology is a tool to stimulate economic development and operational efficiency. By engaging many audiences within our local communities and region we can transform lives and promote a better future."

Open to the public. Register on the WSTA website: http://www.westsoundtechnology.org/events/upcoming-events/oct-10-ww-summit

Register for the Innovation and Leadership Conference in Bremerton October 10

Innovation plays a critical role in American global leadership and economic growth. WSTA's 11th annual summit focuses on ways to mobilize in support of initiatives and public policies that advance American business and shore up our economy for future generations.

Who Should Attend: Western Washington business leaders, entrepreneurs, education, technology, government, nonprofit, and those interested in stimulating economic vitality for the region and promoting our local successes to the world.

Event Details: Western Washington Summit 2012: Innovation and Leadership

October 10, 2012 at 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Kitsap Conference Center at Harborside, Bremerton, WA

Register here: http://westsoundtechnology.org/events/upcoming-events/oct-10-ww-summit

 

Keynote Speaker: Gary Shapiro, President and CEO, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), producer of CES, the world's largest Consumer Electronics Show

Voted one of the top most influential people in Washington DC by Washington Life, Gary Shapiro has testified before Congress more than 20 times on technology and business policy. Author of the New York Times Bestselling Book, The Comeback: How Innovation Will Restore the American Dream. Shapiro regularly writes for Forbes and Huffington Post. With CEA, launched The Innovation Movement, a grassroots movement of industry professionals and entrepreneurs with more than 200,000 members.

Other Presenters:

• Egils Milbergs - Executive Director, Economic Development Commission for Washington State
• Patty Lent-Mayor, City of Bremerton
• John Powers-Executive Director, Kitsap Economic Development Alliance
• State Senator Derek Kilmer

Innovation Showcase followed by dinner and presentations.

Register at: http://westsoundtechnology.org/events/upcoming-events/oct-10-ww-summit

Do you have a world changing idea, business model, or innovation? We want it. Submit by October 5.

Searching for world changing ideas! www.N50contest.com is an opportunity for students, researchers, idealists, film-makers, futurists, technologists, digirati, artists, entrepreneurs, and just fascinating people, etc. to reveal visions for the Next 50 years. Submit an inspirational short video of two minutes or less. $5K top prize and trip for two to Seattle. Four runner-up prizes. Deadline is October 5, ²⁰¹². For video uploading and contest rules, visit www.N50Contest.com. Spread the word. 

 

The contest is being conducted in conjunction with the 50^th anniversary of the Seattle World's Fair. So much of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair was about future innovation, and so as we celebrate the Fair's 50^th anniversary at Seattle Center, we are focusing once again on the place and importance of innovation. The Next 50 Innovation Video Contest seeks to capture the excitement and anticipation of future possibilities so prevalent in 1962.

US-India Trade & Commerce Summit Starts Today at Seattle Center

Washington State Summit on US-India Trade & Commerce: Organized by the Washington State and India Trade Relations Action Committee (WASITRAC) in collaboration with the Seattle Center Foundation, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco, City of Seattle, Port of Seattle, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Foster School of Business to commemorate the 50th anniversary celebration

Washington State is considered to be the gateway to the Pacific Northwest from East Asia and leads US exports to many East Asian nations. The State has a large and active Indian population, however its international trade with India needs to be accelerated beyond the IT and aviation sectors. With the goal of deepening trade ties, this summit has keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and breakout sessions to showcase the opportunities for innovation, collaboration and partnerships, enhancing trade and commerce between the world's two largest democracies.  Another important goal of this summit is to enhance the understanding and awareness of the Indian economy and it's socio-cultural-political.  Summit registration is complimentary for all current business school students. Additional information at www.wasitrac.org .

    

Dates/Times: 

Thursday, Sept. 26^th, 5:00PM reception/ program, Intiman Playhouse, Seattle Center.

Friday, Sept 27 7:30 AM. All-day program, Northwest Rooms, Seattle Center

   

More agenda details and registration at www.nextfiftyindia.org

Innovation requires creative leadership. Washington’s innovation roadmap cited.

From Jon Talton, Seattle Times, September 23….The month has been big on innovation, from the "Titans of Innovation" series at Seattle Center to the Pacific Northwest Innovation Summit.

"Innovation" is the economic coinage of the moment in nearly every state and metro area outside of the prospering Oil Patch, as they struggle with the aftermath of the recession. The Puget Sound region is among the fortunate places where it's more than a word or aspiration.

Innovation here extends far beyond the geeky precincts of software engineering and biomedical research, as critical as those are. It goes beyond Boeing and one of the world's top aerospace clusters. It's happening at Nordstrom and REI, Starbucks and Paccar. Amazon is moving beyond retail to reinvent fundamental business models as a technology company.

Washington ranked No. 2 among states in patents per 100,000 residents in 2010; No. 5 in venture capital per nonfarm worker in 2011; and No. 6 in research and development as a percentage of GDP. It was second nationally in the Kaufman Foundation's New Economy Index, which measures knowledge jobs, globalization, economic dynamism, the digital economy and innovation capacity.

Despite these impressive showings, nothing can be taken for granted. Washington suffers from a stubborn unemployment problem. Job creation went backward in August.

Worse, the state's unemployment rate in the second quarter was 17 percent using the broadest measure, which includes discouraged workers and part-timers who want full-time work. Just seven other states showed the same or higher broad joblessness.

This chasm can exist in highly innovative places, such as California. But it's not the Washington most citizens want. And it's another sign of a fundamental turning point in the economy. This lesser depression or Great Disruption could last a long time.

Real innovation, which creates many new companies, technological breakthroughs and good jobs could break the stasis. Thus the national buzzword, which leaders here are hoping to implement as real policy.

"Our vision is to make Washington state the rock star of global innovation by 2020 and [execute] strategies to get there and keep our competitive edge," said Egils Milbergs, executive director of the Washington State Economic Development Commission.

In collaboration with numerous companies, unions, educational institutions and government agencies from around the state, it is finalizing an updated strategic plan to help make that happen. The first report was released in 2009.

Few here need instructions in the new facts of life: The state is competing for two assets that can go anywhere, talent and capital. The future is not going to be a repeat of the recent past, as we're seeing with a business cycle unlike any in the post-World War II era.

Also, it will take some innovative policymaking and priority setting to provide effective public help to sustain and expand this quality economy in a time of tight budgets.

The draft report states: "The architecture of the innovation ecosystem must be driven by private-sector jobs, and fueled by investment in innovation, new workforce skills, modern infrastructure, and exports.

"This requires a fundamental reset of policy focused on the talent we need, innovating in high-potential areas, producing and manufacturing more of what we invent, and exporting more. No single institution will lead the way. The next economy will be led not from the top, but from the bottom up."

It's good stuff, although some leading from the top actually will be necessary. We wouldn't have aerospace and software clusters without Bills (Boeing and Gates) leading from the top. The same is true for Paul Allen's transformation of South Lake Union into an urban innovation hub and Jeff Bezos' decision to move there…..MORE

Innovation requires creative leadership | Business & Technology ...

Sep 23, 2012 · The month has been big on innovation, from the "Titans of Innovation" series at Seattle Center to the Pacific Northwest Innovation Summit.

Innovation Series features Nordstrom, Tuesday, September 25th at Seattle Center

Titans of Innovation Series featuring three leading companies based in the Puget Sound region exploring the secrets of innovation and business success. Moderated by Brier Dudley, technology columnist for the Seattle Times, three evening conversations will be informative, insightful and inspirational as to how companies stay creative, nurture "killer" ideas, scale innovation and ultimately deliver value in the marketplace. Registration, reception and program free to the public.

Can't make it to the Playhouse? Join via live stream or webcast - see links below.

September 11th		September 18th	September 25th

 

Philips Corporation, the world's largest healthcare company and holder of 48,000 patents.	Costco, a company founded in 1983 in Kirkland WA and now a $90 billion behemoth operating in United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and the United States.	Nordstrom which has grown from one Seattle shoe store in 1901 into a nationwide fashion specialty chain with renowned services and selection of the finest apparel, shoes and accessories. Join us LIVE September 25th!

Vital statistics:

Each of the three night's events will be held at the INTIMAN PLAYHOUSE, 201 Mercer Street, Seattle Center, Seattle. These events are offered at no charge. Please join us for a reception beginning at 6:30 PM. Talks will begin promptly at 7:30 PM.

REGISTER AT: www.titansofinnovation.com

Our moderator:

Brier Dudley offers a critical look at technology and business issues affecting the Northwest in a weekly Seattle Times column published on Mondays and a blog appearing throughout the week at www.seattletimes.com. Brier previously covered Microsoft for five years. A third-generation Seattleite, he received a BA in English from Whitman College and studied film production in Italy before starting a career in newspapers. He has won numerous journalism awards and several oyster-eating competitions.

About your hosts... Centrally located in one of the most beautiful, literate, technology-focused and vital economic regions in the world, the University of Washington Michael G. Foster School of Business represents the best the Pacific Northwest has to offer with respect to innovation and intellectual rigor. www.foster.washington.edu

The WA Economic Development Commission is an independent, non‐partisan commission

charged by the Legislature with the mission of creating a comprehensive statewide strategy

for innovation and economic development. www.WEDC.wa.gov

Innovation Summit a success! PNWER, WEDC and Seattle Center Next Fifty joined together to promote, highlight regional innovation

 

The first panel, "Washington's Innovation Ecosystem: A Model for Collaboration" kicks off at the Pacific Northwest Innovation Summit, Sept.18 at Intiman Playhouse

   

Regional leaders in entrepreneurship, business development and start-up financing took center stage at the first annual Pacific Northwest Innovation Summit, Sept. 17- 18, at Intiman Playhouse in Seattle.
Regional stakeholders attended this event; part of Seattle Center's Next Fifty celebration, to learn more about what makes successful innovation and collaboration in the region, and the role that start-ups, angel and venture capital play in this success.  
The event kicked off with an evening networking reception on the evening of Sept. 17, followed by a lively talk by the first nationally-acclaimed comedian economist Yoram Baumann.
On Tuesday, Sept. 18, attendees attended a full day of presentations, and heard from featured speakers Washington State Lt. Gov. Brad Owen and Frank Blethen, chief officer and publisher of The Seattle Times.

Frank Blethen, Publisher and CEO of The Seattle Times speaking  

at the Pacific Northwest Innovation Summit Sept. 18 at Intiman Playhouse

 

The summit concluded with a program called, "Innovation and the Future of Retailing" featuring Rep. Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney (D-WA) and Richard Galanti, executive vice president and CFO for Costco Wholesale.

 

Rep. Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney speaking at Titans of Innovation Tuesday evening, Sept. 18 at Intiman Playhouse 

Innovation was a major theme of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, thus, the summit celebrated Commerce and Innovation Economy Month of the Fair's 50th anniversary with a focus on the importance of innovation in the region.
Through gatherings, speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and showcases, the month of September was dedicated to the future of worker skills, entrepreneurship, modernizing infrastructure and expanding global connections.
For more information and an online video of each session, go to  www.pacificnwinnovation.com . Visit PNWER's Facebook page for more photos from the event.    

Leading thinkers, doers and innovators convene in Seattle September 17-18 to shape the Pacific Northwest Innovation Economy

Leading thinkers, doers and innovators will discuss the secrets behind the Pacific Northwest innovation economy, entrepreneurship, start-ups, and the role of angel and venture capital at Intiman Playhouse Sept. 17-18 in Seattle. The Pacific Northwest Innovation Summit is shaping up to a fantastic event with a lineup of on-stage speakers that is sure to inform, provoke and energize more dynamic collaborations and economic growth in the Pacific Northwest. If the region were a country – Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northern Territories, Yukon—it would be the 14^th largest economy in the world. The public is invited to register for the Pacific Northwest Innovation Summit being held in conjunction with the Next 50 Anniversary Celebration of the Seattle World's Fair. (www.pacificnwinnovation.com )

AGENDA DETAILS:

The Summit begins with an evening networking reception at 6:30 pm, Monday, September 17 and a lively talk by the first nationally acclaimed comedian economist Yorum Baumann, PhD. The following day, Tuesday, September 18 the program will launch with opening keynotes by Lt. Governor Brad Owen and Frank Blethen, publisher, Seattle Times. Then the dialogue commences in earnest with four outstanding panels.

Panel One will investigate the secret sauce of a successful innovation economy. Washington State will be the case study. Confirmed panelists are:

• Roger Woodworth, Chief Strategy Officer at Avista Corp. and Chair of the Washington Economic Development Commission (WEDC).
• Michael Kluse, Director of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
• Elson S. Floyd, President, Washington State University.
• Rogers Weed, Director, Commerce Department
• Cindy Zehnder, Chair of the Washington Workforce Board
• Randy Gardiner, Chairman, President, CEO, Red Dot
• Christina Lomasney, Co-founder, President, CEO of Modumetal
• Egils Milbergs, Executive Director, WEDC, will serve as moderator.

Panel Two will address significant cross-border opportunities underway in applied research, alternative energy systems, smart grid, transportation and other areas. Confirmed panelists include:

• Senator Jim Kastama, Chair, Senate Economic Development, Trade and Innovation Committee and co-chair of the PNWER Innovation Working Group.
• Miles Drake, Senior VP and Chief Technology Officer, Weyerhaeuser Corporation
• Chen-Ching Liu, Boeing Distinguished Professor at WSU, founder WSU Energy Systems Innovation Center and a STARs researcher in smart grid.
• Paul Manson, president, Sea Breeze Power Corporation
• Denis Stevens, Consul General of Canada in Seattle
• Matt Morrison, president, Pacific Northwest Economic Region will moderate.

Panel Three deals with the hot topic on fostering entrepreneurship. Confirmed panelists include:

• Fred Holt, director of the Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program, UW Center for Commercialization
• Chris Leyerle, Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Washington State University
• Kevin Petersen, WSU Entrepreneur in Residence, Washington State University
• Bryan Mistele, co-founder, president & CEO of INRIX, the leading global provider of traffic information and driver services.
• Connie Bourassa-Shaw, director of the University of Washington Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and manages the UW Business Plan Competition awarding over $1.3 million for 105 companies.
• Marc Nager, CEO and co-director of Startup Weekend which organizes 54-hour events where entrepreneurs share ideas, form teams, build products and launch start-ups.
• Luke Timmerman, Seattle editor for Economy and national biotech editor, will moderate.

Panel Four gets to the heart of financing innovation, venture and angel capital and starting companies. Confirmed panelists include:

• JP Michael, Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director, Comerica Bank
• Matt Mcilwain, Managing Director of Madrona Venture Group and Madrona Venture Fund V
• Dan Rosen, Alliance for Angels, CEO and President of Dan Rosen & Associates
• Kirk Washington, Partner, Yaletown Venture Partners
• Linden Rhoads, Vice Provost, UW Center for Commercialization
• Rick LeFaivre, Partner, OVP Venture Partners, and WEDC commissioner will moderate

The Summit concludes with a fascinating look into Innovation and the Future Retailing featuring Richard Galanti, Executive VP and CFO for COSTCO, a company founded in 1983 in Kirkland WA and now a $90 billion behemoth operating in United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and the United States. Representative Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney will receive a special recognition for her service in the Washington State Legislature, most recently as Chair, House Community, Economic Development and Housing and a legislative member of the Washington Economic Development Commission.

Learn more at: www.PacificNWInnovation.com and register. Student rates and scholarships are available. Contact: noreenh@wedc.wa.gov

THE ASCENT OF AMERICA'S HIGH-GROWTH COMPANIES

KAUFFMAN FOUNDATION

Certain regions of the country continuously produce innovative, high-growth companies that have transcended the economic downturn of the last few years. "The Ascent of America's High-Growth Companies," a report series released by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, reveals that high numbers of fast-growing firms are concentrated in unexpected regions and industrial sectors. This comprehensive, first-ever analysis of the geography of Inc. 500 firms is presented here in an interactive U.S. map, with detailed state-by-state profiles, interactive metro-area charts, and in-depth reports that explore geographic trends of high-growth firms over time, the movements of the founders, and state-by-state profiles. http://www.kauffman.org/research-and-policy/the-ascent-of-americas-high-growth-companies.aspx?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Opticast&utm_campaign=Ideas_At_Work_9_12_12

Titans of Innovation Series begins tonight at Intiman Theatre, Seattle Center

Titans of Innovation Series features three leading companies based in the Puget Sound region exploring the secrets of innovation and business success. Moderated by Brier Dudley, technology columnist for the Seattle Times, three evening conversations will be informative, insightful and inspirational as to how companies stay creative, nurture "killer" ideas, scale innovation and ultimately deliver value in the marketplace.

September 11th Philips Corporation, the world's largest healthcare company and holder of 48,000 patents.

September 18th

Costco, a company founded in 1983 in Kirkland WA and now a

$90 billion behemoth operating in United Kingdom, Canada,

Australia, Mexico, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and the United States.

 

September 25th 
    

Nordstrom which has grown from one downtown Seattle shoe store

in 1901 into a nationwide fashion specialty chain with renowned services

and selection of the finest apparel, shoes and accessories.

Vital statistics:

Each of the three night's events will be held at the

INTIMAN PLAYHOUSE, 201 Mercer Street, Seattle Center, Seattle. 

These events are offered at no charge. 

Please join us for a reception beginning at 6:30 PM. 

The discussion begins promptly at 7:30 PM.

REGISTER AT: www.titansofinnovation.com

Our moderator:

Brier Dudley offers a critical look at technology and business issues affecting

the Northwest in a weekly Seattle Times column published on Mondays and

a blog appearing throughout the week at www.seattletimes.com. Brier previously

covered Microsoft for five years. A third-generation Seattleite, he received a

BA in English from Whitman College and studied film production in Italy

before starting a career in newspapers. He has won numerous journalism

awards and several oyster-eating competitions.

 

Your hosts... www.foster.washington.edu

www.WEDC.wa.gov

Milbergs previews state innovation strategy before advanced manufacturing group

Egils Milbergs, executive director, Washington Economic Development Commission (WEDC)  previewed the state economic development strategy before manufacturing executives at a July 26th Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound (CAMPS) meeting in Kent, WA. The draft final strategy report was approved for public review. A road tour and series of community economic development forums are planned for August and September. The final report is expected to be completed before the end of the year. DOWNLOADS:

Download Milbergs CAMPS 1.1 KENT 7 26 2012

Download Innovation Pillars Schema 4 51

Download 2012StrategicPlanDraft.4.52 pdf

Three evenings at Seattle Center to unveil secrets behind successful innovation

The Titans of Innovation Series features three leading companies based in the Puget Sound region exploring the secrets of innovation and business success. Moderated by Brier Dudley, technology columnist for The Seattle Times, three evening conversations will be informative, insightful and inspirational, exploring how companies stay creative, nurture "killer" ideas, scale innovation and ultimately deliver value in the marketplace. Free to the public. Go to following to register: www.titansofinnovation.com

The series, sponsored by the Washington Economic Development Commission and the University Of Washington Foster School Of Business, is free to the public 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m., speaking program; 6 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., reception, Tuesdays, Sept. 11, 18, and 25, at Intiman Playhouse.

• Sept. 11:  highlights Phillips Corporation, the world's largest healthcare company and holder of 48,000 patents.
• Sept. 18:  highlights Costco, a company founded in 1983 in Kirkland, Wash. and now a $90 billion behemoth operating in United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and the United States.
• Sept 25:  highlights Nordstrom, a retailer that has grown from one downtown Seattle shoe store in 1901 into a nationwide fashion specialty chain with renowned services and a selection of the finest apparel, shoes and accessories.

This timely and important series is part of Next 50 Commerce & the Innovation Economy month, the fifth of six months of activities in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. Just as World's Fair focused on innovation and the future, Commerce and Innovation Month seeks to take stock of the region's economic progress, look boldly into the next 50 years, create innovation synergies to sustain our region and foster the leadership within the region that will help sustain the Pacific Northwest and the world beyond far into the future.

For information on Titans of Innovation and to register for this free series, visit www.titansofinnovation.com

 

For more information on Next 50 and Commerce and Innovation Month, visit www.seattlecenter.com call 206 684-7200.