KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY: INSIGHTS ON INCLUSIVE INNOVATION

THE ROAD AHEAD

Kentucky State University believes that diversity of innovative ideas, talents, solutions, and opportunities are the key drivers of the innovation economy. This belief aligns with KSU's commitment to advancing the Commonwealth of Kentucky, enhancing society, and impacting individuals by providing quality teaching with a foundation in liberal studies, scholarly research, and public service. It also aligns with Kentucky's 60x30 strategic agenda for postsecondary education to advance the Commonwealth to accelerate job creation, grow the economy, and expand the tax base through the contributions of a more skilled, productive workforce.

KSU envisions that cultivating an inclusive innovation ecosystem focused on innovation workforce development; discovery, collaborations, and partnerships; entrepreneurship; and community and regional advancement can play a critical role in support of the overall economy of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Kentucky is building a vibrant innovation ecosystem statewide.
• Innovation creates new industries, sustains economic growth, and advances knowledge-based solutions to meet complex challenges.
• Although the state is improving, recent data points indicate that there is considerable room for Kentucky to increase the scale and impact of its efforts to improve the economic competitiveness, future growth, and prosperity through a KSU inclusive innovation initiative.
• HBCUs are successfully cultivating inclusive innovation ecosystems in communities and at enterprises across the country.
• As an HBCU, land grant, and regional institution, KSU stands ready to do its part in support of the innovation economy of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
• KSU proposes to launch an Inclusive Innovation Initiative that augments its current ecosystem and assists in ensuring that all Kentuckians can participate and prosper in the commonwealth's innovation economy.