Insights

Entrepreneurship & innovation

Scientist in a lab working with test tubes. A tube with red liquid is being lifted out of the test tube holder.

Building an Innovation Economy: Lessons from Texas and Mississippi

by John Karras

Higher education plays an essential role in strong innovation economies. TIP’s Talent, Innovation, and Place framework encompasses the idea that aligning universities with economic development efforts is central to community success. Recent plans for Texas and Mississippi illustrate how states and regions can build an innovation economy through academic and industry partnerships.

Building an Innovation Economy: Lessons from Texas and Mississippi Read More

Man presenting to an audience seeking SBIR and STTR funding

Accessible Innovation Capital: SBIR & STTR Programs

by Erica Colston

When it comes to improving a community’s innovation assets, economic development practitioners can do only so much to influence postsecondary science and engineering programs or to increase the presence of venture capital firms. Supporting R&D-focused small businesses through the process of accessing federal SBIR/STTR dollars is a strategy that fits squarely within the realm of business and economic development.

Accessible Innovation Capital: SBIR & STTR Programs Read More

Electric Vehicles Charging

Leveraging EV Market Momentum to Drive Local Economic Impact

by Luke Shuffield

The increasingly competitive electric vehicles (EVs) market is reshaping the automotive landscape and presenting new opportunities for economic developers. This post examines key strategies for capitalizing on EV growth, including pursuing federal funding, attracting manufacturing investments, and expanding EV charging infrastructure. By focusing on these areas, communities can position themselves to benefit from the accelerating shift toward electrification.

Leveraging EV Market Momentum to Drive Local Economic Impact Read More

Placemaking for Innovation

by Erica Colston

While it is often overlooked, placemaking has emerged as an essential factor in building successful innovation ecosystems. Erica Colston’s latest post explores two innovation hubs—North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park and Pegasus Park in Dallas, Texas—to illustrate how placemaking strategies have adapted to succeed in today’s innovation environment.

Placemaking for Innovation Read More

Pine trees around a lake

2023 PSW Annual Conference: Takeaways & Trends

by Alexis Angelo

In October 2023, Tom Stellman and Alexis Angelo were part of a panel on the intersection of economic development and philanthropy at Philanthropy Southwest’s 75th Annual Conference, held in the Lost Pines region outside of Austin. In her latest post, Alexis summarizes the panel, which featured our work for the City of Muskogee Foundation, and shares her takeaways from the event.

2023 PSW Annual Conference: Takeaways & Trends Read More

Putting Generative AI in Perspective

by Jon Roberts

While generative AI may not be a singular historical moment, it is a significant one in the longer arc of technological change. TIP managing partner Jon Roberts considers the implications of generative AI and offers actions that economic developers can take to both mitigate the challenges and leverage the opportunities facing their local economies and workforces.

Putting Generative AI in Perspective Read More

An engineer prints a prototype model on a 3d printer in a laboratory

Field Notes: Fostering Innovation at Texas Universities

by TIP Staff

Earlier this year, the Texas Higher Education Foundation engaged TIP and Research Bridge Partners to bring a cross-section of stakeholders together and create a statewide plan focused on technology transfer, commercialization, and innovation. We invited the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Senior Director for Strategic Initiatives and Engagement, Jaclyn Le, to talk about the strategic planning process underway.

Field Notes: Fostering Innovation at Texas Universities Read More

Title Town innovation in Green Bay, WI

Building a Vibrant Innovation Ecosystem in Greater Green Bay

by John Karras

Greater Green Bay’s innovation ecosystem has undergone a remarkable transformation since 2015. TIP’s multiple strategic planning projects in the region have allowed the team to witness this phenomenon firsthand. In this piece, VP of business development, John Karras, shares his thoughts on the characteristics that support the region’s dynamic startup and entrepreneurial environment.

Building a Vibrant Innovation Ecosystem in Greater Green Bay Read More

ACT cover with a Fort Wayne skyline

Field Notes: Delivering Results in Greater Fort Wayne

by Luke Shuffield

In February 2020, TIP was engaged by Greater Fort Wayne, Inc., to create Allen County Together (ACT), a 10-year economic development strategic plan for Fort Wayne-Allen County, Indiana. We recently followed up with Ellen Cutter, the organization’s Chief Economic Development Officer, to check on progress to date on ACT and learn more about the region’s innovation initiatives.

Field Notes: Delivering Results in Greater Fort Wayne Read More

Scroll to Top