S.C. Department of Commerce releases state innovation plan
January 20, 2017
The South Carolina Department of Commerce announced the conclusion and release of the South Carolina Innovation Plan. A comprehensive look at the state of innovation in South Carolina, the plan is intended to provide direction on how best to encourage the growth of innovation and tech-related entrepreneurial activity within the state.
“Cultivating and supporting a strong innovation sector is critical for the future of our economy,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “In order to do this, we needed to speak with the many remarkable members of our innovation community. Their feedback has allowed us to develop a roadmap and shed light on what our role needs to be moving forward.”
To prepare the plan, S.C. Commerce’s Division of Research met with thought leaders and stakeholders around the state, including startup and established companies; investors; larger industries with innovation departments; groups and organizations that assist with startup companies; universities; life sciences companies; and, individuals who have successfully built, scaled and sold companies. The plan focuses specifically on innovative companies and concepts within the advanced manufacturing, life sciences and biotechnology and computer hardware and software sectors.
The plan illustrates that there are two major areas where the state can help advance South Carolina’s innovation economy – external and internal promotion and workforce development. Aggressively marketing the state’s technological and innovation successes will help build South Carolina’s reputation both within the state and externally. Additionally, preparing a workforce to fill the needs of fast-growing tech-related startups once they start to truly ramp-up is critical.
To address these issues and others identified by the plan, S.C. Commerce will be hiring a new Innovation Director. Those looking to apply will be able to find the official job posting online at www.jobs.sc.gov.
To read the South Carolina Innovation Plan in its entirety, click here.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. In three of the last five years, IBM-Plant Location International reports ranked South Carolina first in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment. The state won the Gold Shovel Award and the Project of Year Award from Area Development magazine in 2012, 2014 and 2015. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
