SSTI’s 2023 Annual Conference begins the morning of Wednesday, September 6 and continues through the morning of Friday, September 8. Plenaries, workshops and roundtables will cover a wide array of issues important to tech-based economic development (TBED).
See the current agenda, below, and check back for updates.
September 6
Full-day options
a) Introduction to Tech-based Economic Development
This combination course-workshop is designed for practitioners who are new to one or more areas of TBED. We will discuss the elements that comprise a strong regional innovation economy, how to approach TBED strategies, and example programs to solve common challenges.*
b) Building Better TBED Organizations Workshop
This workshop is targeted to experienced professionals interested in learning best practices in organization management.*
Morning options
a) Higher Education R&D Roundtable
This roundtable is for those working to expand the research capacity and technology transfer successes at institutions of higher education.*
Afternoon options
a) Higher Education Economic Development Roundtable
Higher education staff and partners are invited to attend this roundtable discussing how to strengthen the impact that these institutions can have in their regional economies.*
b) Risk Capital Roundtable
This roundtable will convene practitioners who provide capital to young and tech-focused companies to discuss common trends and challenges in fund management, attracting co-investors, and other topics of concern to attendees.*
September 7
Morning plenary
Trends in TBED
SSTI President and CEO Dan Berglund will provide another installment of his conference-favorite presentation on the latest developments affecting regional innovation economies and tech-based economic development strategies. Topics include broader economic, technology and demographic forces, state and federal funding, and emerging program models.*
Big Thinking on Tech, Society and the Economy
Keeping your region at the forefront of the global economy requires having a vision of what could be over the horizon. During this session, a series of practitioners and policymakers will share their thoughts on significant topics that the TBED field should have in mind.*
Afternoon options
a) Finding Funding
Looking for funding that can support your regional TBED strategy? Then this exhibition is for you. Plan to attend all or part of the afternoon to learn about new funding programs, offices and organizations that could become your next partners.*
b) Entrepreneurship Development Roundtable
This roundtable will convene all practitioners working to support local entrepreneurs — including through incubators, accelerators, mentorship programs, entrepreneur-in-residence, training programs — to discuss recent trends and current challenges in entrepreneur assistance.*
c) State Leaders Roundtable
Leaders from tech- and innovation-focused state agencies will be invited to participate in a roundtable that focuses on the unique and critical role these offices play in coordinating, executing and supporting TBED strategies and initiatives.*
d) Venture Development Organizations Roundtable
This roundtable is for leaders at venture development organizations — entities that provide capital, business and technology assistance with a mission-focused lens — to discuss best practices in their organization and program management.*
September 8
Morning options
a) Communications and Messaging Workshop
Communicating the importance of tech-based economic development can be a challenge for even the most experienced professionals. This workshop will be guided by a communications consultant, who will help attendees develop a better approach to messaging with key stakeholders.
b) STEM Talent Roundtable
All practitioners concerned about regional STEM talent are welcome to join this roundtable, which will discuss effective program models and how to navigate the boundaries between TBED workforce initiatives and the traditional workforce system.*
c) Rural Innovation Roundtable
Rural regions may not provide the same opportunities for scaling as their urban counterparts, but there are still many ways that rural entrepreneurs, investors and talent can participate in the innovation economy. This roundtable will discuss emerging and effective practices.*
d) Lab to Market Roundtable
This roundtable will focus on technology transfer and commercialization strategies and initiatives that help move innovations from universities and federal labs into the market.*
e) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Roundtable
All practitioners and policymakers interested in achieving broader participation in their innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives are encouraged to participate in this roundtable, which will discuss how to overcome initial challenges, partnering for success, and scaling promising practices.*
Note: Sessions with a “*” are provided as part of SSTI’s Tech-based Economic Development (TBED) Community of Practice, which receives federal funding under award ED22HDQ3070129 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations of these sessions and related materials are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.