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The California Innovation Corridor - An Introduction
The California Innovation Corridor is more than a geographic region that spans the length of the State. The California Innovation Corridor that runs from Alameda in the north, San Diego in the south, and the Inland Empire and Antelope Valley to the east represents a burgeoning network of 13 counties and more than 60 participants focused on heralding innovation. It is a living organism, a coalition built on collaboration, a region among 13 other regions nationally that piece by piece is addressing the puzzle of what makes innovation work for businesses, schools, R&D labs, workforce agencies, and government organizations. The solution is three-fold:
- Entrepreneurial Development
- Global Competitiveness in the Manufacturing and Supply Chain
- Creation of a New Generation of Innovators and Aerospace Technicians
In January of 2006, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor the California Space Authority (CSA) “Workforce Transformation” proposal to secure the Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) grant. Through the WIRED initiative, the Corridor partners would create projects and events that encouraged innovation to thrive in the classroom environment, business development, scientific circles, and government agencies affecting America’s capacity to remain a global leader on the leading-edge of new ideas, inventions, and services.
WIRED
The puzzle of successful innovation is predicated on the recognition that “global advantage” comes from regional collaborations not confined to a specific geographic area with boundaries, but linked by a highly dynamic network of participants. The WIRED grant has allowed participants to recognize that each co-participant in the network is a critical piece in achieving success through continued innovation—the creation of new ideas and services—converted into the commercialization of advanced,
high-quality products and services. There are three interconnected strategies
that can accelerate this wonderful process of innovation:
- Workforce Skill-Building and a Mindset to be a Life-Long Learner
- Investment and Entrepreneurial Plans
- Regional and Economic Development
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