Rauner Announces New Illinois Innovation Council to Grow State’s Innovation Economy

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 council will meet regularly to develop key growth initiatives, working closely with Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The first meeting will take place this spring at 1871.

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.

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Rauner says new advisory council will spur innovation

Posted: 02/13/2015, 11:47am | Sun-Times Staff

Gov. Bruce Rauner with Howard A. Tullman of 1871 and Phyllis Lockett of LEAPinnovations at Friday's announcement of the Innovate Illinois Advisory Council. | Al Podgorski / Sun-Times Media

Gov. Bruce Rauner on Friday announced the creation of an advisory panel that he said would help the state’s economic growth and global reach.

The Innovate Illinois Advisory Council will be co-chaired by Laura Frerichs, director of the University of Illinois’ Research Park, and Mark Glennon, managing director of Ninth Street Advisors, Rauner said.

“It’s all about bringing together leaders who are from different backgrounds. Who can bring different perspectives — venture capital, business, research, universities, education, community leaders, corporate executives — everybody who can who has a stake in the success of the technology sector,” Rauner said at a news conference Friday morning at the Merchandise Mart.

“We want to get their ideas, we want to get their input, we want to get their collaboration,” Rauner told the crowd gathered at the 1871 tech business incubator at the Mart.

“What we don’t want is a lot of talk,” Rauner added.

“We don’t need more talk. We need results,” he said. “Real companies really succeeding. That’s what it’s all about.”

ILLINOIS GOVERNOR BRUCE RAUNER ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF NEW INNOVATION COUNCIL DURING VISIT TO 1871

ILLINOIS GOVERNOR BRUCE RAUNER ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF NEW INNOVATION COUNCIL DURING VISIT TO 1871

Governor Appoints Laura Frerichs and Mark Glennon to Lead New Council Designed to Develop Innovation Clusters, Attract Resources, Develop and Retain Talent, and Foster Collaboration Through the Illinois Technology Community

PASSWORD is "1"

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CHICAGO—Governor Bruce Rauner visited 1871 today to announce the creation of the new Innovate Illinois Advisory Council, which he has formed to foster opportunity and increase Illinois’ global competitiveness. Following the announcement, Governor Rauner toured 1871’s 75,000-square-foot facility, held a roundtable discussion with startups from 1871 and MATTER, and visited the recently-opened MATTER space, which is immediately adjacent to 1871 in The Merchandise Mart.

“Illinois is home to a wealth of resources, including world-class educational institutions, leading national labs, 33 Fortune 500 companies, dozens of innovation and entrepreneurship hubs, a vibrant culture, and an extensive transportation network,” Governor Rauner said. “Yet our state continues to fall behind. In the last ten years, the Boston Consulting Group estimates our lagging growth has cost Illinois more than 175 thousand jobs. This council will help us create and implement a shared vision for a 21^st century economy that will turn Illinois into a global innovation destination.”

The council will be co-chaired by Laura Frerichs, director of the University of Illinois’ Research Park, and Mark Glennon, managing director of Ninth Street Advisors. 1871 will participate.

Governor Rauner has charged the council with developing an agenda to grow the state’s innovation economy, including 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. The council will meet regularly to develop and facilitate the execution of key growth initiatives. It will work closely with Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and will have a core mission of bringing new opportunities to the forefront on behalf of the community.

“At the University of Illinois we see innovation breakthroughs happen when our industry partners, entrepreneurs, faculty and students work together,” Laura Frerichs said. “We are strengthened when we bring together the business insights and scale from large corporations, ingenuity of entrepreneurs, and discovery from research institutions, and students as the workforce pipeline.”

“Illinois’ economy needs a turnaround, but in challenges there are opportunities. By cultivating innovative ideas, we will be able to create a 21st century economy for Illinois,” Mark Glennon said. “It’s especially fitting to be announcing this at 1871 because, if anything has been key to its success and the success of the startup community in Illinois, it has been a spirit of cooperation. We look forward to building on the splendid success the community has had to date.” 

"We are excited that Governor Rauner is focused on technology and innovation as a key driver of our state’s future success,” said Howard A. Tullman, 1871 CEO. “The companies at 1871 are creating new jobs and driving economic growth, all while developing new technologies that affect every type of business. We look forward to working with the council to ensure that throughout Illinois, new technology businesses are being developed and given a chance to grow.”

The first meeting of the newly formed innovation council will take place this spring at 1871.

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