Genesis Tour Promotes Knowledge Economy

A seven city tour last October helped communities see ways they can build South Dakota’s knowledge economy.

Coordinated by Genesis of Innovation for South Dakota, discussion leaders visited Aberdeen, Brookings, Madison, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Spearfish, and Vermillion.  Leaders included Dennis Anderson, Dr. Paul Gnirk, Dr. Stephen Hall, and Dr. Kathryn Johnson, as well as entrepreneurs from each participating community.

“We had excellent attendance, about 70 at each stop,” said Genesis coordinator Greg Bartron.  “We drew economic development professionals, university representatives, legislators, and a few students.”

He added a committee is at work now to recommend future steps for communities committed to seizing knowledge economy opportunities.

Genesis, which has a successful history matching South Dakota venture capitalists to research and entrepreneurial ideas emerging from the state’s universities, believes a South Dakota knowledge economy requires:

• Educated and innovative entrepreneurs and employees.  Key players are K-12 school systems, technical educators, universities, and supportive families and communities.
• Environments supportive of invention, innovation, and calculated risk-taking.  The support system should include economic development organizations, families, venture capitalists, and angel investors.
• Universities and communities excited about invention and discovery.  Academic leadership, business leadership, and the work of individual inventors and entrepreneurs are the keys.