Racing Toward the Future

May 5, 2014

Racing teams are important extensions of the automotive industry. They are where technology can be tried, tweaked, and maxed out to test and exceed existing boundaries. A technology strategy can do the same thing for your regional economy, fostering innovation in your community and workforce.

Examples of this include the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation, in which Ohio State is a major player; Ohio’s Third Frontier Program, which has made hundreds of investments in companies and technology assets in our state; and organizations like TechColumbus, which nurture entrepreneurs and help turn ideas into commercial ventures. These programs are incredibly important, as are the edutech programs within the Ohio Board of Regents and local school districts that are helping to reinvent how our children learn.

The Columbus Region has a long history of innovation. Did you know we’re home to the first online newspaper (check out slide 11 here) and the first email service?

These are just two examples of how great companies here continually redefine their industries. If you have an example like this to share, we’d love to hear it – please post it in the comments below.

Harnessing innovative spirit and extracting its economic value will lead to individual breakthroughs, and perhaps help the Columbus Region win the race towards the future.

Kenny McDonald

One Columbus Update

  • Last week, Columbus Global Connect was launched at the Columbus Metropolitan Club Forum. Learn more about this strategy to increase global trade and investment.
  • This week, our team will host a pipeline report for business development professionals to learn about projects and strategies underway in the Columbus Region. We will also hold a training session on export strategies for our partners and local economic development organizations.
  • Next week, our team will conduct its next international business mission in Japan and Korea, where we will meet with companies and attend the SelectUSA conference.