NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA KEYSTONE INNOVATION ZONE (NWPA KIZ)
The northwestern portion of the state is embarking upon a new era of collaboration to create new opportunities for regional innovation and entrepreneurialism. Utilizing the regional research and development expertise of higher education partners, including Allegheny College, University of Pittsburgh-Titusville, Clarion University of Pennsylvania and Thiel College, and taking a regional approach, the partners in the proposed NWPA Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) want to build an integrated service model in support of new businesses and strengthened partnerships. In keeping with the larger goals of the KIZ program, the proposed NWPA KIZ will work to bring innovation to the marketplace.
A group of community leaders throughout the region have been looking for new ways to spur economic development activity and support innovation in the region. Their common realization is that the old way of doing 'business' has to change and that new partnerships and new ways of thinking are needed to keep up with the economic transformation. Based in a model of collaboration and innovation the Keystone Innovation Zone offers the vehicle for them to come together with a common vision and set in place a series of actions to take charge of their future.
NWPA KIZ will focus upon the following industry sectors to generate economic growth:
- Clean Technology
- The region has demonstrated an interest in and capacity for fostering alternative energy sources, energy conservation and environmental sustainability. Clean Technologies are a strong focal point for innovation in both the academic and private sectors leading to rapid expansion opportunities and development of academic-industry partnerships.
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Throughout the KIZ region, a number of manufacturing companies exist that exhibit opportunities to spin-off new companies and for linkages to innovation to assist with competitiveness.
- Information Technology
- The colleges and universities within the region offer diverse information technology programs that provide opportunities to engage regional businesses through technical assistance, internship placement and research-based solutions to real world problems.
- Life Sciences
- The opportunities that exist within the NWPA KIZ mirror the significant growth opportunities in the life sciences throughout Pennsylvania.
Designation as a KIZ will create the opportunities for new companies to access tax incentives and assistance. It will allow the region's institutions to apply for state funding to support faculty-driven research and the creation of new companies within Pennsylvania.
The proposed NWPA KIZ will focus on new or enhanced service delivery designed to simulate innovation and entrepreneurial development. The focus of the service delivery will be to:
- Improve the Entrepreneurial Culture
- Improve Access to Capital for Entrepreneurial Ventures
- Grow the Innovation Pipeline by Linking the Region's Colleges and Universities to Industry.
For additional information contact: Amara Geffen, Director CEED, Allegheny College Amara.Geffen@allegheny.edu 814-720-7089.
Visit KIZ website: http://www.nwcommission.org/kiz.html.
