I-69 Innovation Corridor

Mission:

The I-69 Innovation Corridor is a regional initiative focused on driving transformational change by creating a culture and environment supportive of innovative capacity. The I-69 Innovation Corridor is a boundary spanning organization that supports and promotes our local and regional partners committed to growth in the southwestern Indiana and northwestern Kentucky region.

Focus:

Talent Development I-69 Innovation Corridor supports the development of talent within our region. From sponsoring high school STEM challenges to participation in regional workforce initiatives, I-69 Innovation corridor aims to increase talent development and retention within the southwest Indiana and northern Kentucky economies.	Innovation Focused on improving the Regional Innovation Index, the Innovation Corridor promotes innovation practices, initiatives and programs within the southwest Indiana region. Check out USI @ Innovation Pointe.
Entrepreneurship Coinciding with regional talent development, the I-69 Innovation Corridor supports and promotes the entrepreneurial ecosystem of southwest Indiana through USI's Technology Commercialization.	Partnerships Partnered with educational institutions, economic development collaborations and regional industries, the Innovation Corridor's success is defined by the strength of its' relationships.

Check out our annual events

Innovation Index:

Regions with high adaptive capacity tend to have relatively strong and sustained performance in income growth, wage levels, job creation, and the number of business establishments.  Dynamism in successful regional economies is also associated with the existence of innovation clusters.  Innovation clusters are characterized by companies, support services, and specialized infrastructure that reflect a culture of networks, global connections, and sustainable innovation. The more innovative the industry clusters are within a region the more likely the region will have a high adaptive capacity.  An examination of the I-69 Corridor Region with regard to its performance trends, asset base, innovation capacity, and clusters of economic activity provides the context for evaluating the future impact of the I-69 highway in the region. Check out the innovation index for the region

Vision: To develop a culture and environment that supports a regional I-69 Innovation Corridor from Evansville to Crane

Goal: To increase our Innovation Index Score by 20% by 2025

Task Forces:

• Brainpower:  Start with sound education and imaginative, entrepreneurial educators that can generate 21st century brainpower with skills to support globally competitive businesses. 
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship Networks:  Business development networks (clusters, entrepreneurial support, venture capital, mentors) capable of converting brainpower into wealth through innovation and entrepreneurship. 
• Quality, Connected Places:  Mobile people and companies that are innovative will choose to locate in places with high quality of life and that are connected to the rest of the world. 
• Branding Experiences:  Regions need to tell its story effectively, defining most distinctive attributes.   Brain drain can be avoided by showing young population that region has a future that is vibrant and exciting. 
• Civic Collaboration:  Leaders skilled in the art and discipline of collaboration. 

Partners: