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Investments In Higher Education And Innovation Recent economic analyses of Springfield and Sangamon County have noted that our occupational structure has not favored the kind of science and engineering professions that drive innovation in a knowledge-based economy. The Community Foundation, along with the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, have been committed to expanding efforts to create real economic opportunity for our community. Prioritizing an innovationbased economy is a priority of The Next 10.
Make The UIS Innovation Hub And District A Reality Plans have recently been developed to utilize Innovate Springfield as the cornerstone in constructing the UIS Innovation Hub in Downtown Springfield. The Hub is expected to include: • Business incubation • Technology/research commercialization • Business acceleration • Social innovation • Application of data science to public policy needs • Professional and post-secondary education to meet local employer needs The Hub will be the catalyst for establishing an Innovation District to fill the gap between Downtown Springfield and the Mid-Illinois Medical District with new businesses, creative arts endeavors, performance venues, restaurants and shops, and urban residential living options. Work to finalize resources and a site to the Hub are underway, but this project must be looked at as a bigger strategy to spark our economy, retain our youth and activate Downtown in new ways. As planning occurs, high priority will be given to assuring that this vision leaves no one out and, in particular, creates opportunity for Springfield’s Black community, which has not shared proportionately in the gains the economy has produced over time. © 2021 THE NEXT 10
Central Illinois is blessed with excellent institutions of higher education. Growing local postsecondary offerings and harnessing the intellectual capital inherent at colleges and universities is paramount for our communities’ economic and social growth.” TIM BUTLER Illinois State Representative
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