Innovate Arkansas Initiative Launches
The creation of technology-based jobs is the primary goal of Innovate Arkansas, a new U.S. Programs initiative. The initiative was officially launched by Gov. Mike Beebe, Winrock President Frank Tugwell, David Norman, vice president for enterprise and agriculture, and Innovate Arkansas Executive Director Tom Dalton at a February reception in Little Rock. Beebe highlighted the importance of creating such jobs in Arkansas.
"We want Arkansas to take her rightful place at the lead in regard to the new age economy. We do that with a combination public-private partnership. We do that with people like Winrock," he said.
Innovate Arkansas will assist Arkansas-based technology companies through the commercialization process, and will work closely with existing university research centers to assist technology innovations already identified in the university settings. Innovate Arkansas will also help provide the business and financial support services that are needed. Innovate Arkansas is funded by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
