Policy Recommendation 1:
Boost the Region's Innovation Capacity
Objective 1.1:
Recognize and leverage industry strengths and
firm legacies.
- Thoroughly examine unique specializations and niches as well as obstacles to growth
- Assess where economic development dollars are spent
- Realign current investments to support entrepreneurship and innovation
How important is this objective? | Tell us what you think should be done
Objective 1.2:
Establish a collaborative vision and plan for bolstering
local commercialization and entrepreneurship.
- Area universities, research institutions, business alliances, and state and local political leaders must come together to articulate a unified vision and strategic plan aimed at taking the region's research capacity to the next level.
- Establish cooperative organizations, such as research consortia and entrepreneurial support networks
- Cultivate a local network of venture capitalists and angel investors
- Fund incubator facilities
- Develop programs to prepare workers for high-skilled jobs
How important is this objective? | Tell us what you think should be done
Objective 1.3:
Boost research capacity at KU Medical Center and
UMKC.
- Adopt the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Task Force which focus on building research capacity at the University of Kansas Medical Center
- Grow leadership at the University of Missouri-Kansas City to enhance life science research capacity
How important is this objective? | Tell us what you think should be done
Next Policy: Growth Patterns