VISUALIZATION

F. Duane Ackerman, Chairman and CEO of the BellSouth Corporation, and Chairman of the Council on Competitiveness, described today the “delicate balance” necessary to ensure the next generation of American innovation. In the afternoon session of the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration’s annual national economic development conference, titled Rising to the Innovation Challenge, Ackerman called for a balance between the private sector, government, and universities that will create an environment ideal for innovation. “Innovation is not national, but regional and depends on regions that enjoy that special balance,” stated Ackerman. The focus for this year’s national conference, entitled The Innovation Imperative: Translating Ideas into Regional Prosperity, is on the application of innovation-based economic development strategies, and regionalism as the best way for America’s communities and regions to compete more effectively in the worldwide economy. Philip Bond, Undersecretary for Technology of the Department of Commerce, commented on the role of government in encouraging innovation stating that the “government’s primary role is in science and discovery.” He emphasized the need for federal and local governments to serve as good customers for innovation. Bond lauded the Tennessee Valley Corridor in Tennessee and the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina as two models for strong regional alliances that are correctly aligning business, government, federal installations, and major universities. Earlier in the day, both of the organizations were honored with two of EDA‘s national Excellence in Economic Development awards for “enhancing regional competitiveness.” Representing the academic sector, G. Wayne Clough, President of Georgia Tech echoed the message put forth by both Ackerman and Bond that collaboration is the key. Clough described the role Georgia Tech plays in implementing innovation-based development strategies. He referenced the Georgia Tech Institute of Enterprise Transformation that analyzes every aspect of a company from R&D to marketing, then applies what Clough referred to as an “extreme makeover” to ensure success in the marketplace. Emily Stover DeRocco, Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training at the U.S. Department of Labor also addressed the conference session. DeRocco outlined ways to ensure the availability of a skilled workforce to meet the demands of an innovation economy. “Investments in training translate directly into a competitive advantage for companies,” DeRocco stated. The conference will continue tomorrow morning with a line up that includes University of Akron President Louis Porenza; Carl F. Kohrt, President and CEO of Batelle Memorial Institute; Liam Nellis of Intertrade Ireland; Raymond L. Orbach; Director of Science of the Department of Energy’s Department of Science; and Georgy Tobjy, of KPMG. For more information on the conference, go to www.EDANationalConference.com