Florida Governor Crist Unveils Plan To Build Florida’s Innovation Economy

Addresses Florida’s business editors and corporate leaders during economic development summit

January 10, 2008 -- TALLAHASSEE – Florida Governor Charlie Crist today announced a framework for developing Florida’s innovation economy and increasing the state’s ability to compete in the global market. The strategic plan was unveiled during a luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion as part of an economic development summit for business editors hosted by the Florida Press Association and the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors.

“We are developing plans based on sound research and proven practice that will expand our capacity for innovation and keep Florida competitive,” Governor Crist said. “Innovation is the heart of the entrepreneurial spirit, and the entrepreneurial spirit is woven into the DNA of Florida’s economic success.”

Governor Crist’s plan for developing an innovation economy relies on the continuous process of discovering and developing new technologies. Innovation, or finding new ways for doing things better and faster, leads to improved productivity. Productivity then leads to competitiveness, and being competitive in the global market leads to a prosperous economy.

“I look forward to working with members of the Florida Legislature and business leaders to build on these principles and move forward with a strategy to strengthen Florida’s economic future,” Governor Crist said.

Governor Crist’s framework for achieving Florida’s competitive advantage includes six essential drivers for Florida’s innovation economy:

• Sustainable growth will ensure that our communities grow in a balanced way, that we preserve our state’s beauty and that we are a leader in clean technologies.

• A competitive business climate can be nurtured by lowering the cost of doing business in Florida. Governor Crist pointed to January 29th as a step in the right, but indicated there is more work to do.

• A multimodal infrastructure created by improving all of our ports – seaports, airports, spaceports and railports – will ensure paths to and from markets.

• Research and development will create new products and processes in targeted industries such as the clean technology.

• Entrepreneurial systems such as improved access to capital and business incubation will ensure Florida-based business – in urban and rural communities alike – grow and prosper.

• Improved education and workforce training will ensure Florida has world-class talent available in an innovation economy.

Governor Crist’s announcement comes after meeting with business leaders throughout the state during recent months to discuss ways to keep Florida’s economy vibrant and enhance the Sunshine State’s business friendly environment. He also received input from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Economic Development Council and Enterprise Florida’s board of directors.

The Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development (OTTED) assists the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Legislature in formulating policies and strategies designed to provide economic opportunities for all Floridians. OTTED provides executive direction and staff support to develop policies and advocate for economic diversification and improvements in Florida’s business climate and infrastructure. Economic development programs are implemented through public/private partnerships for which OTTED provides direct oversight.

Source: Florida Governor

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