Sure, Georgia is known nationally as the Peach State. But it could soon hold the title of “Technology Capital of the East Coast,” with the help of a new initiative out of the lieutenant governor’s office.
This week Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan announced the official launch of the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, a public-private partnership to drive statewide inclusive innovation and support Georgia’s “entrepreneurial identity.”
As an expansion of the Georgia Innovates Taskforce, the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation is designed to keep the state competitive and innovative in industries such as agriculture, manufacturing and technology.
“As we shape the future of Georgia, we must prioritize innovation improvements and technology advancement across the state,” said Duncan in a statement. “With guidance and advocacy from the incredible leaders who comprise the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, I am confident Georgia will institute an impressive entrepreneurial identity as the Technology Capital of the East Coast.”
The taskforce, which includes leaders from Fortune 500 companies, locally-grown organizations, politicians and educators from across the state, will focus on growing Georgia’s “connectedness, diversity, identity, sustainability and talent.”
Dr. G. P. “Bud” Peterson, president emeritus of Georgia Tech, will serve as the board chair. Debra Lam will serve as the executive director.
Other board members come from leadership positions at Georgia Power, University of Georgia, TechSquare Labs, UPS, and many other companies. An additional 100 Georgians have joined 11 subcommittees.
Recognizing STEM education is foundational to further growth, K-12 digital readiness and industry/education collaboratives have been pinned as areas of advancement needed for the state to retain STEM graduates.
The roadmap published by the partnership puts forth some aggressive goals around not just educational innovation, but also ways to engage entrepreneurs, increase access to early-stage capital, and “catalyze growth.”
