The Commonwealth of Kentucky has made tremendous advances in the development and growth of its innovation economy. Over the past decade, Kentucky has leveraged its creative, research, and entrepreneurial assets to drive innovation in the bluegrass state.

However, a vibrant environment for innovation requires a sustained approach that expands and reframes the innovation process with a greater emphasis on inclusion.

An inclusive innovation approach encourages an intentional focus on diverse, often underrepresented stakeholders, resources, and structures to create a unique ecosystem for innovation. More communities and enterprises are adopting this practice and are working with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to increase the quantity and quality of the economic, social, or environmental outcomes beyond what would otherwise have occurred.

In the Commonwealth of Kentucky, cultivating a more inclusive ecosystem for innovation is essential to driving social impact, maintaining competitiveness, and ensuring opportunities for all Kentuckyians. The University of Kentucky (UK) has taken a leading role in the state's innovation efforts through its Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC). The OTC supports UK's strategic plan by committing to:

As the only public, historically Black land-grant institution in the state, Kentucky State University (KSU) has an essential role to play in assisting the commonwealth in these ongoing efforts.

This document provides a glimpse into the commonwealth's current standing as it relates to inclusive innovation and offers context for promoting and positioning KSU as a resource for innovative industry and workforce partnerships. Also included is a summary of select HBCU-powered innovation ecosystems and recommendations for developing a strategic roadmap for an inclusive innovation initiative at KSU.