The task force, led by NGA Chair Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano and NGA Vice Chair Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, brings together a bipartisan group of governors and members of the academic and business communities to oversee efforts to strengthen the competitive position of the United States in the global economy by improving the nation's capacity to innovate.
"To maximize our strengths in this increasingly global environment, governors must partner with the business and academic communities to ensure state policies complement and reinforce private sector innovation," said Napolitano. "The Innovation America task force provides an outstanding forum for these groups to work together to enhance our economic competitiveness."
"Working with the NGA Center for Best Practices, the task force will take the lead in developing strategies that drive innovation," said Pawlenty. "The work of this task force will be critical to ensuring every state -- and our nation -- is equipped to excel in the global economy."
During the two day gathering, governors will work with business and academic leaders to identify challenges to innovation and determine the most promising strategies, policies and programs for addressing them. The agenda includes discussions centered around the state innovation landscape, K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and the role of postsecondary education as an engine of innovation. Key gubernatorial staff members will learn about the resources being developed through the initiative and begin framing an action plan for creating an "innovation environment" in each state.
