What We Learned in San Diego About Innovation: Five Lessons for Detroit
Duane J. Roth5/7/10
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emerging science-based technologies are crucial factors in shaping the economic winners and losers of the first half of the 21st century. To create international comparative advantage in a knowledge-based economy, clustering innovative activity is imperative.”
—Collaborate. “Not-invented here” is not an acceptable culture. Institutions need to work with industry, industry needs to work with local government, and local government must be educated by all of the above. Sharing knowledge and experience in the startup phase helps everyone learn faster and provides a comparative advantage. There is plenty of opportunity to compete in the marketplace.
—Establish non-profit organizations like San Diego’s CONNECT. CONNECT was created by regional leaders in research, government and the private sector to support local entrepreneurship and technology innovation. We help connect entrepreneurs with the investors, lawyers, financial firms, and others they need to start high technology and life sciences companies. We help provide professional mentoring, and host events that are intended to educate and provide forums for discussion, and an impetus for working together.
[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.]
