Rauner Announces New Illinois Innovation Council to Grow
State’s Innovation Economy
Will Flanagan
Chicago Inno
13 Feb 2015
At 1871 Friday, Governor Bruce Rauner announced the
formation of a new Innovation Council designed to help spur economic growth and
increase Illinois' global competitiveness.
Named the Innovate Illinois Advisory Council, the group will
be tasked with developing high-growth industry clusters, attracting resources,
developing and retaining top talent, and fostering collaboration among all the
parties in the state’s technology and innovation community.
Rauner appointed Laura Frerichs, director of the University
of Illinois’ Research Park, and Mark Glennon, managing director of Ninth Street
Advisors, to co-chair the council.
At the press conference, 1871 CEO Howard Tullman referenced
an Accenture report that said Illinois has the sixth-largest high-tech economy
in the United States, a figure Rauner was not satisfied with.
"I'm a competitive son-of-a-gun," Rauner said.
"I don't want to be six. I want to be one. This council is designed to get
us there."
The council will be called to develop an agenda to grow the
state’s innovation economy, and Rauner is looking for more than just hype, he
said.
"There's too much talk. No more talk; more results.
That's what this council is for."
The news comes as Crain's is reporting that 1871 expects to
double in size, with CEO Howard Tullman looking to add 25,000 to 50,000 of
additional square feet. The hope with the expanded space is that more
entrepreneurs stay in the Merchandise Mart, build the 1871 network, and serve
as mentors to new startups, Crain's says.
