The word “innovation” is much more than a buzzword used frequently here in Gainesville. Innovation plays a vital role in how we build United States’ competitiveness on a global scale. Blessed with world-class educational institutions and a thriving business community developing through Innovation Gainesville, our community is quickly becoming a national hub for green and health technologies.
By supporting innovation locally, the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce and Council for Economic Outreach is supporting the creation of high-wage, talent-driven jobs that will further increase our already high quality of life in Alachua County.
Evidence has been shown worldwide that a positive link exists between technological innovation and economic performance. If we focus on our strengths of talent and innovation, while supporting our entrepreneurial ecosystem, Gainesville will continue to grow.
Just in 2012, Gainesville was ranked 17th nationally for metros with the largest concentrations of the creative class. The creative class has been identified as a key driving force for the economic development of post-industrial cities. In 2013, we aim to continue to climb the rankings.
As companies like Mindtree move to Gainesville and home-grown startups like Prioria Robotics and RegisterPatient.com continue to expand, Gainesville is poised to build its economy through technology and innovation.
As we grow our creative class and build a strong economy, the heart and soul of Gainesville’s business community will remain in its environment of diverse small businesses and entrepreneurs. By supporting all of our local businesses, the foundation of our local economy will remain strong and our businesses will have the best opportunities to grow and thrive.