1. Wired –Talent for Growth
5/23/2018
Wired –Talent for Growth
Developing Innovation Capacity
The Business Council of Westchester
Dr. Marsha Gordon, President and CEO
Co-Chair: Wired – Talent for Growth
Co-Chair: Developing Innovation Capacity

2. “Develop a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.”
5/23/2018
Original charge….
“Develop a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.”
GOALS DEVELOPED:
Identify and support the development of critical skills of innovative companies, especially in the targeted, innovation-intensive industries of Financial Services, IT, and Biomedical
Encourage innovative firms to locate and expand in the region
Increase activity of regional technology councils to align strategically with the region on opportunities for economic growth
Build a regional value proposition for the continued generation of resources that support innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation
Increase economic options for a broader set of citizens in the region through access to entrepreneurial thinking and programs

3. Develop a program and project structure
5/23/2018
Next Steps
Develop a program and project structure
Assess current programs related to innovation in the workforce, including academic institutions, training firms, and others
Consider how region’s workforce system is connecting to support effort
GAP analysis showing if programs are sufficient or insufficient

4. 5/23/2018
Next Steps
Develop list of category of companies to recruit dependent on regional technology/business/workforce focus
Implement collaborative framework in the region that fosters a mindset for innovation, and aligns regional branding efforts
Network small businesses in the region with big businesses on innovation related topics
Develop a virtual clearinghouse of information for all things innovation in the region. Include assets, data, activities, regional demographic information, etc.

5. 5/23/2018
Next Steps
Develop business plan competitions or other activities for regional youth participation
Increase education and training around entrepreneurship and capital formation
Publicize entrepreneurship for dual-income purposes (risk minimization)

6. Key Learnings: Challenges
5/23/2018
Key Learnings: Challenges
Better definition of project is needed
Must develop clear goals
Attention must be placed on the needs of all stakeholders
Clearly define role for participants
Earlier focus on responsible partners and resources needed
Must garner buy-in of local entities for a regional project

7. Key Learnings: Opportunities
5/23/2018
Key Learnings: Opportunities
A regional workforce plan is needed and can be developed
A Westchester-Fairfield partnership to satisfy mutual needs and learn form each other can benefit the entire region
This program could lead to more partnership opportunities in the near future
We can get the money!

8. 5/23/2018
Help Needed
How do we identify current innovative practices in business?
What opportunities are there to satisfy the workforce needs of a diverse business community?
How do we “ramp up” organizationally to address the following issues:
Staffing
Board Commitment
Funding

9. 5/23/2018
Thank you
Q & A