Increasing our Innovation SCOREs: Symbiotic Collaboration of Regional Ecosystems

Resources to engage in science are often inequitably distributed, as described in the recent statement from the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) [1]. The OSTP statement noted that ?minority-serving institutions (MSIs), emerging institutions, and community colleges receive only a small fraction of the science and technology research and development funds available each year.? Closing the funding gap to support researchers and communities that have historically been excluded from accessing key resources is an essential component of allowing the American innovation ecosystem to achieve its full potential, according to the OSTP. In a similar observation, it is noted that ?Strategic, long-term investments in human capital are critical to a healthy U.S. economy and a dynamic research enterprise - both to inform the development of industries of the future, and to prepare the nation to respond to global challenges? [2]. Both sources emphasize investment in populations that have not yet been able to reach their full potential in the STEM research and innovation enterprise as a critical step in advancing the US economy. Our SCORE cohort institutions offer a novel approach to this problem because of our undergraduate-centered missions, and our inherent focus on our students and the communities we serve. While large research institutions have significant capacity for innovation, we can offer new ideas for inclusion as we engage in capacity-building activities that strengthen our research infrastructure. In the proposed project, the cohort will develop a community-based approach to develop best practices for various aspects of innovation and partnerships including workforce development, experiential learning, research and innovation, industry partnerships, investors and entrepreneurship as well as regulatory issues. We will be centered in a community of practice; therefore we will learn and grow as a cohort consisting of primarily undergraduate institutions while keeping inclusive excellence central to our project. Our proposed overall impact will be broad, equitable access to our regional economies.