I grew up in Louisiana. The state never really impressed me as being highly innovative on any level.
I was recently researching small business development ideas and ran across this:
"BATON ROUGE, La. (December 7, 2009) - The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) announced today that it has released the second part of its two-part white paper series detailing a strategy for developing an innovation-driven economy in Louisiana."
This is a state still heavily influenced by the Napoleonic Code, established by none other than Napoleon in 1806. So how forward thinking can this place be?
It seems Louisiana is focusing on entrepreneurial innovation to drive the state's economic development in the 21st century. My heart swelled with pride for my somewhat backward, corruption-riddled home.
Part one of the BRAC series calls for greater state support of research and development for commercial innovation. Entrepreneurship, workforce development, risk capital and authority at the state level are the goals for the second part of the initiative that will take the state well into this century.
Louisiana has established a state Innovation Council to develop a new blue ocean strategy for innovation driven, high growth sectors. The ultimate goal of the strategy is to increase the wealth and quality of life of the region and the state.
What a concept. As you may expect, state entrepreneurs are enthusiastic about the newly outlined focus for Louisiana.
"As a Louisiana entrepreneur, I am excited to see BRAC extend its focus on developing a strategy that supports and fosters innovation and entrepreneurship in our region," stated Kevin Langley, CEO of Ellis Construction and a member of the Louisiana Innovation Council.
As a former resident of the state, I am excited as well. I sincerely hope things work out for them.
If you are interested, both parts of the white paper series are available at www.brac.org/research.
