CONNECT EDUCATION, RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TO GROW THE REGION’S KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY

Challenge: The Hudson Valley is a polycentric place without a major research university, mature technology center, or similar magnet for innovation and enterprise. We have an abundance of talented entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators, but they are not economically or civically engaged.  College and high school graduates migrate to urban areas outside the Valley, resulting in a local brain drain.

This challenge can best be met by mobilizing expertise in a broad spectrum of innovation industries  – especially in the green economy – by creating a network of centers that connect professional and technical talent, and centers of learning and research, with communities and businesses.

Develop, retain and attract a high-value-added work force (employees and entrepreneurs), especially recent graduates

• Develop amenities for knowledge workers in local communities (strengthen public libraries, public access cable TV, WiFi zones, etc.)

• Establish talent retention strategy for recent grads.  These might include creating live-work spaces near campuses, expanded internship programs, partial student loan forgiveness for graduates living near campus.

Close the gap between learning and working, to reduce the “brain drain” of talented people leaving their jobs to advance their careers

• Create a regional “green corps” for high school students to access quality summer jobs in green industries, and expand the presence of Americorps as a pathway for post-graduate work experience.  This will allow the private sector to work with public organizations.

• Develop hands-on training opportunities in clean energy, green building, etc. through community college system in partnership with communities making green commitments.

• Expand access to workplace-based graduate/ professional training, working with prominent national and international degree programs and mobilizing Hudson Valley faculty as co-advisors.

• Market e-learning opportunities and create support groups of adult learners through the community college Continuing and Professional Education programs.

Enhance performance and expand the markets for green technologies that do not yet have institutional support.

• Create a system of applied research and technology commercialization in one or more centers of excellence in green industries that have not been supported by New York State.  Candidates may include smart grid, green infrastructure and sustainable water management, building renovation and historic preservation technologies.

• Conduct a feasibility study for a green incubator in conjunction with SUNY system by taking advantage of the SUNY strategic planning process currently underway.

• Create an online communications platform for green innovators in universities, research centers, etc. around US and Europe to interact with Hudson Valley initiatives

Expand the funding for priority industry sectors

• Work with investors and foundations to develop specific “patient capital” investment resources for high-value-add, long-timeframe innovations in technology and business strategy.