Today, Governor Eric Greitens announced the launch of the Governor’s
Innovation Task Force. The Governor has charged the Task Force with assessing
the current state of innovation in Missouri, analyzing best practices from
other states, and developing specific recommendations for what the State can do
to promote innovation and new technology start-ups. Governor Greitens has asked
the State’s Chief Operating Officer, Drew Erdmann, to sponsor the project with
the help of the nonpartisan Hawthorn Foundation. The Task Force will
bring together private, nonprofit, and public sector leaders from across the
State to help improve Missouri’s competitiveness. As part of its work, the Task
Force will engage innovators, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, scholars, and others
in workshops in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, and Cape
Girardeau. The Task Force will complete its work by the end of
August.
Governor Greitens
released the following statement:
“Accelerating the growth of good paying jobs
is critical to Missouri’s future. Missouri must find smart, efficient ways to
support innovation, entrepreneurs, and new technology start-ups. While Missouri
has emerged as a hub for innovation in the Midwest, more must be done if we are
to remain competitive and reach Missouri’s full potential as a national leader.
The work of the Governor’s Innovation Task Force will ensure that Missouri’s
strategy is informed by the best minds from business, nonprofits, and
government.”
Dan Mehan, President
and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, released the
following statement: “Start-ups are critical to Missouri’s success today and in
the future. Missouri entrepreneurs are leading the way in St. Louis,
Kansas City, Springfield, and across the state. Established high tech
leaders like Microsoft are also recognizing that Missouri is a great place for
them to build their businesses. But we have to keep pace. I look forward to
working with other leaders from across the state to make the Governor’s
Innovation Task Force a success.”
Donn Rubin, president
and CEO of BioSTL, builder of the St. Louis bioscience industry, released the
following statement: “I have seen firsthand the growth of
entrepreneurship and innovation in Missouri during the past
decade. However, we still have gaps and challenges to solve as we strive
to be a global leader. I’m optimistic that the Task Force process, which
is shaping up to be comprehensive and inclusive, will help define the State of
Missouri’s roadmap to innovation-driven economic growth.”
See the Hawthorn
Foundation's website for additional information at http://www.hawthornfoundation.org/ee-task-forces.
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