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Signature Innovation Summit
Innovation Hubs + Future of Work: The Economic Now & Next
Thursday, May 16 | Chapel Hill, NC
A national forum on the future of work—designed to bring your innovation hub’s expertise to the forefront.
As the leader of an innovation hub, the work you do shapes the industries, workforces, and workplaces of tomorrow. Whether your hub builds small businesses, develops new technologies, cultivates talent, designs work environments—or invests in those that do a combination of these—your work is critical to the future of work. But how might initiatives at other hubs around the country inform your next steps? And how can the expertise you share help other hub leaders accelerate economic impact?
Join hosts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Innovate Carolina), UIDP and UI Collab for a one-day summit that brings together the leaders of academic, commercial and government innovation hubs from across the U.S. and beyond. Together, we’ll explore the unique roles innovation hubs play in shaping the future of work and inventive ways we can accelerate economic development. As an attendee, you'll also have the opportunity to be recognized in a national best practices report created by Innovate Carolina, UNC-Chapel Hill’s initiative for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development, on the role innovation hubs play in the future of work.
Join us for a national conversation that will:
- Define a shared purpose among stakeholders in innovation hubs.
- Identify impact and success metrics for regional innovation.
- Map short-term and long-term possibilities for your innovation hub.
- Lay the groundwork for cross-hub collaboration.
Note: This is an invitation-only event. There is no registration fee, and dress is business casual. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Kimi Yingling on the Innovate Carolina team at Kimberly.Yingling@unc.edu.
Summit location and address:
Innovate Carolina Junction
136 E. Rosemary
Suite 100
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919.918.5771
Lunch and Main Stage Speakers
Discover new perspectives on the intersection of innovation hubs and the future of work by hearing and connecting with main stage presenters.
Lunch Speaker
Cullum Clark, Ph.D.
Director, Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, Adjunct Professor of Economics at Southern Methodist University
Main stage speakers
Kevin Byrne
President and CEO, The University University Financing Foundation
Dedric Carter, Ph.D., MBA
Vice Chancellor for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, Chief Innovation Officer at UNC-Chapel Hill
Melissa Carrier
Co-Founder and Partner, Radiate Works
Sam Reiman
Director, Richard Mellon King Foundation
Summit Info
Agenda
Wednesday, May 15
EVENING FOCUS: CONVENE + CONNECT
Participants arrive in Chapel Hill
6:00 p.m.
Evening mixer at:
AC Hotel Downtown Chapel Hill
214 W Rosemary St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Thursday, May 16
MORNING FOCUS: SHARE + LEARN
8:00 a.m.
Check-In and Breakfast (Junction Cafe)
8:30 a.m.
Welcome and Summit Goals (Junction Cafe)
Dedric Carter, PhD, MBA
Chief Innovation Officer and Vice Chancellor for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, UNC-Chapel Hill
Sheryl Waddell
Director of Economic Development and Innovation Hubs, UNC-Chapel Hill
9:00 a.m.
Track A: Future of Work Sessions
(Two concurrent tracks, attendees choose one)
- Session A1: Partnerships, Joint Ventures and Funding: How Hubs Catalyze Communities, Opportunities and Economic Impact (Open Desk Space)
- Session A2: Talent and Skill Building: How Hubs Support Workforce Development (Training Room)
10:15 a.m.
Break
10:30 a.m.
Track B: Future of Work Sessions
(Two concurrent sessions, attendees choose one)
- Session B1: Work Environments: How Hub Development and Design Leverages and Demonstrates New Work Modes, Spaces and Coalitions (Open Desk Space)
- Session B2: Technology of Tomorrow: How Innovation Hubs Build New Capabilities and Accelerate Deployment (Training Room)
Noon
Lunch + Presentation (Junction Cafe)
Engines of Opportunity: How "Eds and Meds" Institutions Can Become More Powerful Drivers of Prosperity in America's Cities
Cullum Clark, PhD
Director, Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, George W. Bush Institute; Adjunct Professor of Economics, Southern Methodist University
1:00 p.m.
Design Thinking Workshop Starter (Junction Cafe)
1:15 p.m.
Early Afternoon Break
AFTERNOON FOCUS: PLAN + BUILD
1:30 p.m.
Design Thinking Workshops (attend and rotate)
How Might Innovation Hubs Create a Shared Ecosystem to Catalyze the Future of Work?
- Session A: Barriers and Facilitators (Training Room)
- Session B: The Best Is Yet to Come (Open Desk Space)
2:00 p.m.
Break
2:15 p.m.
Design Thinking Workshops (attend and rotate)
How Might Innovation Hubs Create a Shared Ecosystem to Catalyze the Future of Work?
- Session A: Barriers and Facilitators (Training Room)
- Session B: The Best Is Yet to Come (Open Desk Space)
2:45 p.m.
Break
3:00 p.m.
Design Thinking Workshop: Workshop Insights and Readouts (Junction Cafe)
3:15 p.m.
Panel Discussion: Funding the Future: How to Catalyze Investments in Innovation Hubs, the Future of Work and Economic Development (Junction Cafe)
4:15 p.m.
Design Thinking Gallery Walk (Hallway)
Mixer: Drinks, Hors d'oeuvres and Networking (Junction Terrace)
Leaders confirmed for participation
16 Tech Community Corporation
President & CEO
America's Frontier Fund
Chief of Staff and Founding Member
Association of University Research Parks (AURP)
Chief Strategy Officer
Captains of Innovation
Head of Innovation Districts
Carnegie Mellon University
Executive Director, Block Center for Technology and Society
Associated Hub: Hazelwood Green, Bakery Square
Deloitte Future of Work Institute
Chief Curriculum Officer
Digital Health Institute for Transformation
Founding Member and Program Director
Associated Hub: North Carolina Health Innovation District
George Mason University
Executive Director, Institute for Biohealth Innovation
Associated Hub: GMU SciTech Innovation District
Google
Head of Southeast External Affairs and Government Relations
Harvard Allston Land Company
Chief Executive Officer
Associated Hub: Harvard Enterprise Research Campus
KPMG
Managing Director
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Program Director
Associated Hub: NSF Regional Innovation Engines
New Mexico State University
Executive Director, Arrowhead Park
Associated Hub: Arrowhead Center, Inc.; Arrowhead Research Park, Paso del Norte Bridge Accelerator
North Carolina Biotechnology Center
Vice President of Life Science Economic Development
North Dakota State University
Vice President for Research and Creative Activity
Outshift by Cisco
Senior Product Marketing Manager
Princeton University
Vice Dean for Innovation
Associated Hubs: Princeton NSF Engine Development Award, Princeton Innovation Center, NJ-Princeton AI Hub
Purdue University/Purdue Research Foundation
Senior Vice President
Associated Hub: Purdue Discovery Park District
Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina
Senior Director of Planning
Associated Hub: Research Triangle Park
Richard King Mellon Foundation
Director
SAS
Director of Educational Partnerships
Steelcase
Vice President of Workplace Insights
Client Business Manager
The University Financing Foundation (TUFF)
Chief Executive Officer
Associated Hub: Tech Square at Georgia Tech University
Tulane University
Chief Innovation and Entrepreneurship Officer
Associated Hub: Tulane University Innovation Institute / NSF Engine FUEL
UIDP
President & CEO
UNC Graduate School
Director of Experiential Learning
Associated Hub: Innovate Carolina Junction
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
Professor of the Practice of Marketing
Co-Chair, UNC Generative AI Committee
Associated Hub: Innovate Carolina Junction
UNC School of Data Science and Society
Professor of the Practice
Former Head of Playstation Magic Lab, Sony Interactive
Associated Hub: Innovate Carolina Junction
University of Cincinnati
Associate Vice President for Research, Strategic Programs & Initiatives
Associated Hub: Digital Futures
University of Michigan
Associate Vice President for Research: Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts
Associated Hub: University of Michigan Ann Arbor Research and Innovation Hub
University of Minnesota
Associate Vice President, Strategic Initiatives
Associated Hub: Minnesota Innovation Exchange
University of Pittsburgh
Associate Vice Chancellor, Economic Partnerships
Associated Hub: Pittsburgh Innovation District
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Associate Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Economic Development; CEO of TEAM TN
Associated Hub: TEAM TN
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Managing Director
Associated Hub: University Research Park, Inc.
Vanderbilt University
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Tech Transfer
Executive Director for Industry Collaborations
Location and hotels
The event will take place at the Innovate Carolina Junction, UNC-Chapel Hill’s innovation hub located in the heart of downtown. The Junction is home to Innovate Carolina – the University’s central team for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development. Hub members and the local innovation community work side by side to turn ideas and research discoveries into startup companies, products and services.
Innovate Carolina Junction
136 E. Rosemary
Suite 100
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919.918.5771
How to visit: transportation/parking details
Hotels
Several hotels are located within a short walk or drive to the Innovate Carolina Junction.
- AC Hotel by Marriott Chapel Hill Downtown (0.2 miles from Junction). Innovate Carolina has secured a group room rate from $239/night at the AC Hotel by Marriott Chapel Hill Downtown, which is available for all attendees. See the link immediately below for how to book your group rate reservation.
Book your Innovate Carolina group rate at AC Hotel Chapel Hill Downtown - Aloft Chapel Hill (2.1 miles from Junction). Innovate Carolina has secured a group room rate beginning at $129/night at the Aloft Chapel Hill, which is available for all attendees. See the link immediately below for how to book your group rate reservation. Details for shuttle service are also being finalized.
Book your Innovate Carolina group rate at Aloft Chapel Hill - The Carolina Inn (0.4 miles from Junction)
- Find other hotels in Chapel Hill
Explore Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill and the surrounding area are great places to eat, explore, shop and play. If you have free time during your stay, discover some of our most popular attractions. For ideas, recommendations and reviews, visit:
Who should attend?
By invitation only, this summit is for leaders and partners of innovation hubs. Attendees are senior leaders (director level and above) of organizations from across North America.
- Academic innovation hubs that support entrepreneurship, research commercialization, and economic development on college campuses and in their communities.
- Corporate innovation hubs or centers within companies that focus on fostering internal creativity, experimentation and the development of new ideas and technologies.
- Government innovation or tech hubs that focus on public policy innovation, technology development, workforce development and regional growth.
- Community partners and professional consultants that work with innovation hubs, startups and founders.
- Foundations, funders and philanthropists who invest in and support innovation hubs and the future of work.
- Commercial real estate developers of innovation hubs and districts.
Why attend?
As innovation hubs, we’re natural connectors—wired to create and strengthen our own focused networks of regional, industry or internal constituents. And this summit helps us go further: to step beyond our own networks, connect with the leaders of other hubs, and innovate better together on a critical issue that binds us all—the Future of Work. This forum is where innovation hubs that connect the businesses, talent and technologies of tomorrow connect with one another.
• Share your expertise. Your insights experiences with innovation hubs, the future of work, and economic development will help others create impact.
• Meet and learn from hub leaders. By connecting with other hub leaders from across the country, you’ll discover what works elsewhere that might also work for you.
• Join the national conversation. Lend your voice to group and one-on-one discussions aimed at surfacing trends and insights that can benefit hubs across the country.
• Build hub-to-hub partnerships. It’s hard flying solo. By finding new ways to work with other hubs, you can build on your mutual strengths and experiences to go further, faster.
• Start designing your plan for ‘next.’ Design thinking experts will work with you in workshop-style sessions to map your next steps for the future of work and economic impact.
This event builds on Innovate Carolina’s fall 2023 Signature Series, which spotlighted technologies, talent and trends driving the Future of Work within individual organizations. The spring Signature Innovation Summit builds on the popularity and insights from the fall series by taking this timely topic beyond the boundaries of individual organizations and into the world of cross-connected innovation hubs. This spring, we explore next-level possibilities for driving Future of Work initiatives—and their influence on economic development—across regional, industry and national hubs.
Focus areas
Explore best practices for how hubs and other organizations can work together to:
- Develop and adopt new technologies.
- Cultivate talent, workforce skills and work culture.
- Design modern work environments and effective modes of work.
- Build cross-industry and inter-institutional partnerships.
- Invest in and fund the future of work and economic impact.
Hubs for the future of work
Innovation hubs have emerged as more than experimental aspirations for boosting entrepreneurial activity and economic vitality in the future. Industry, academic and government hubs—bolstered by their strategic community partners, funders and developers—have taken root over the past decade and are driving real impact now. As such, hubs across the country are developing unique perspectives as they help other businesses prepare for the Future of Work—and instill Future of Work practices within their own organizations.
This one-day session is an opportunity to listen, learn, share and do. A mix of presentations, panels, roundtables and workshops will give you a chance to hear how other hub leaders are tackling Future of Work challenges, offer your own insights—and then roll up your sleeves to sketch out future possibilities together. It is also a chance to participate in in-depth, one-on-one conversations to share your experiences and your recommendations for putting Future of Work practices into action.
About Innovate Carolina
Innovate Carolina is UNC-Chapel Hill’s university-wide initiative for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development. Our team helps faculty, students and staff at the university move more ideas into the world faster to solve the world’s problems and strengthen the economy. We believe that only through rigorously applying the tools of innovation can we solve society’s most complex challenges.
About UIDP
UIDP is a solutions-oriented global forum where academic and industry representatives find better ways to work together. Our membership, comprising top-tier innovation companies and world-class research universities, identifies issues affecting university-industry relations and seeks new approaches to partnership and collaboration. Together, we produce tools and resources to help members make a greater impact. We don’t just talk about problems. We solve them. Learn more at uidp.org.
UI Collab
The UI Collab consulting firm grew out of a consistent demand for services from the membership of UIDP. UI Collab's select team of experts have deep experience from years of service at leading universities, companies, and government agencies. Whether you represent a company seeking to expand academic partnerships, a university aiming to build corporate partnerships, or a government or nonprofit agency seeking to bolster its multisector strategy, UI Collab consultants possess the experience necessary to find the right solution for your partnerships.
Please be advised that photographs and video will be taken at the event for use on the UNC-Chapel Hill website and other materials and unviersity publications. By attending this event, you consent to the University photographing, videoing and using you image and likeness in accordance with its video and photograph consent guidelines.