—Invest in education and training.
Make efforts to attract and retain college graduates within the state by implementing educational opportunities which are pertinent to students and employers. Maintaining a skilled and knowledgeable labor force will keep Michigan relevant and allow it to compete in the global economy. This is already being done through the programs like the Green Jobs Initiative, and No Worker Left Behind, but the state could use even more programs like this.
—Create a dialogue.
Engage the community in the innovative process by encouraging outside involvement and contribution; hold open forums, seminars and workshops. Creating a focus on collaboration will establish clusters of like-minded innovators who can work together to encourage mutual growth and knowledge as well as ultimately create more jobs to further drive growth. Look for opportunities to join with other communities in efforts towards a common goal.
—Establish a supportive environment.
Attracting capital is essential for innovation. With a skilled-labor pool, new ideas, and an environment supportive to new business ventures, regional hotbeds can grow and thrive.
—Foster healthy competition.
Competition drives growth and motivates the pursuit of new initiatives in an efficient manner. It is crucial, though, to co-promote competition as well as collaboration to prevent competition from discouraging early-stage establishments.
—Connect with the global community.
By actively communicating the story of innovation in their niche, Michigan can establish the state as a key player and gain national strength, as well as learn from other well-established locales in a collaborative manner.
[Editor’s note: To help launch Xconomy Detroit, we’ve queried our network of Xconomists and other innovation leaders around the country for their list of the most important things that entrepreneurs and innovators in Michigan can do to reinvigorate their regional economy.]
