Governor Kay Ivey and Condoleezza Rice, 66th U.S. secretary of state and director of the Hoover Institution, joined state leaders on Tuesday to share the Alabama Innovation Commission’s policy recommendations and announce the Alabama Innovation Corporation board of directors. Governor Ivey established the commission and its advisory council in July 2020.
“The Alabama Innovation Commission has done incredible work, and I’m excited to see how we as a state can implement smart policies that will foster innovation and develop a talented workforce for the future,” stated Governor Ivey. “I’m inspired by the promising growth for Alabama’s economy, and I look forward to working with the Alabama Legislature and the Alabama Innovation Corporation to help Alabama reach new heights.”
Alabama Innovation Commission (Innovate Alabama) is the state’s first commission focused on entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation. The commission brings together private-sector experts and policymakers to develop forward-thinking policies that work to create a strong economy to help Alabama remain competitive in the 21st century.
Ivey commented on Twitter, “Alabama. Where you can dream big, play hard, and live comfortably. We’re building a better state – a place where equitable opportunity exists. Now, we have a playbook to take us there.”
The commission, led by Alabama Finance Director Bill Poole and state Sen. Greg Reed, includes a six-member advisory council of innovation leaders in Alabama and those outside the state who have strong ties to Alabama. The advisory council, led by Alabama Power Executive Vice President Zeke Smith, included innovation leaders from across the nation, and a partnership with Hoover Institution research scholars led by Director Rice, to support the commission’s work.
“I’m proud to be a daughter of Alabama and believe that Alabama’s education, job training, and workforce development can be second to none. This state is poised for an even greater future here, and we are excited to be a part of that,” said Dr. Rice. “The Hoover Institution will continue to partner with the state and the Alabama Innovation Corporation to support this initiative as Alabama continues to push for strengthening its economy so life can be good for all Alabamians.”
State Finance Director and Innovation Commission Chair Bill Poole added, “I’m proud of the commission’s work and know that its efforts will have a tremendous impact on our state. The ideas, recommendations, and strategies in this report give us a path forward for how Alabama can be a leader in the fields of innovation, technology, and research. I look forward to seeing partners from private, and public sectors continue working together through the Innovation Corporation to grow our economy.”
Members of the Innovation Corporation board of directors are:
- Governor Kay Ivey (ex-officio)
- Alabama Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon (ex-officio)
- Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed (ex-officio)
- House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (ex-officio)
- Senator Minority Leader Bobby Singleton (ex-officio)
- Rich Bielen – President and CEO, Protective Life Corporation (at-large director)
- Dr. Michael Chambers – Assistant Vice President for Research Innovation, University of South Alabama (at-large director)
- Abe Harper – President, Harper Technologies (at-large director)
- David King – President, Dynetics (at-large director)
- Bill Poole – Director, Alabama Department of Finance (chairman)
- Britney Summerville – Founder, Birmingham Bound (at-large director)
The policy recommendations and findings detailed five areas that address current challenges.
- Entrepreneurship and Access to Capital: Identifying and supporting opportunities to fuel entrepreneurial development at every stage of business growth.
- Talent Attraction and Retention: Recruiting and retaining a workforce with the skills, knowledge and credentials necessary to create innovation ecosystems throughout the state.
- Increasing Commercialization: Fostering an environment that increases commercialization activities, research and development efforts and supports the state’s economy as a whole.
- Bridging Digital and Economic Divides: Leveraging initiatives and resources that support growth throughout Alabama.
- Knowledge Economy: Developing a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the future.
“These policy recommendations are a culmination of 18 months of hard work, time, and effort from a variety of different highly qualified individuals and organizations working together to chart a strong path forward for our state’s economy, and I couldn’t be any happier with the product that the commission was able to produce,” said Sen. Reed. “This report outlines a road map to spurring entrepreneurship, startup businesses, and innovation in our state, and I look forward to seeing the impact it will have on the future of Alabama.”
