The world is changing, so the way we develop ideas must change. The Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) is an initiative of the Illinois Innovation Council (IIC), a diverse group of leaders convened by Governor Pat Quinn to promote engagement, innovation, and economic development.
The IIN is a common platform through which startups, innovation-driven enterprises, service providers, research institutions, colleges, universities and community leaders connect, share ideas, and market tools and resources to accelerate the growth of businesses and industries in the Midwest.
Vision
To accelerate the innovation economy in the Midwest by connecting the dots between research, talent, capital, ideas and professional services.
Mission
To bring innovation and inspiration to entrepreneurs and innovation-driven enterprises in Illinois and beyond.
Illinois Innovation Council duties
Governor Pat Quinn created the Illinois Innovation Council in February 2011 to identify and advance strategies that accelerate innovation, economic growth, and job creation. Its duties are to:
- Promote the role and importance of innovation in economic development and quality of life.
- Partner with academic, business and governments to improve support for innovation and align public and private resources.
- Attract innovation-driven enterprises and individuals to Illinois in order to expand existing industry clusters and develop new ones.
- Develop policies to cultivate and retain entrepreneurs, innovative researchers, and other enterprises.
- Recommend criteria to measure, index, and communicate Illinois performance as a global source for innovation.
- Establish grant or investment programs to support innovators from research institutions, entrepreneurs, and others.
VIDEO: Entrepreneurial Stories from the Illinois Innovation Network
