Site Selection Magazine’s Post

Last week, we had the privilege of joining our partners at the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) and the St. Louis Anchor Action Network (STLAAN) in St. Louis. The focus? Continuing to strengthen collaborative efforts between educational institutions, healthcare organizations and other stakeholders. Why does this cross-sector partnership matter? By working together, these major employers and economic engines ("anchor institutions") can drive real impact in building more inclusive local economies. What does it look like? Creating new jobs, supporting small businesses, and opening up opportunities for underrepresented communities. Too often, racial and economic inequities persist due to systemic barriers. But anchor institutions like universities and hospitals have a unique ability to dismantle those barriers through purposeful hiring, workforce training, local procurement, and strategic investments. Members of the Healthcare Anchor Team presented on why and how we use data to measure impact and progress in the main anchor mission pillars: hiring, purchasing and investment. An additional presentation covered leveraging community partnerships to foster equitable local economic development that support healthy communities. It also discussed using measurement frameworks to evaluate and reinforce collaborative efforts between health systems and community partners. 🙏 In gratitude for our partners! Christopher M. Nolan, FACHE Stefani Weeden-Smith Valerie Holton

🏢Charleston’s Next Big Step: The Vision for an Innovation District🏢 Medical University of South Carolina is at the forefront of transforming Charleston into a hub of innovation with the development of an Innovation District that will unite universities, businesses, and innovators to drive economic growth and foster new discoveries. As a foundational step towards this vision, Blue Sky Labs is paving the way with help from Joe Fiore MBA, CAM, who has recently stepped into the role of Director at Blue Sky Labs. Joe, who also serves as Vice President of Operations at the Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization, will be balancing both roles, bringing his expertise in operations to drive forward both organizations' missions. In a recent discussion, Dr. David J. Cole, M.D., FACS, President of MUSC, and Dr. Jesse Goodwin, Chief Innovation Officer at MUSC, shared their vision for this ambitious project. This district is not just about advancing healthcare—it's about creating a dynamic community that attracts industry, fosters collaboration, and elevates the entire region. Joe Fiore's dual roles at the Zucker Institute and Blue Sky Labs are crucial in laying the groundwork for what will become a vibrant, knowledge-based economy in Charleston, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between industry, academia, and the community. Check out the full discussion to learn more about the future of Charleston’s Innovation District and how it will shape our region: https://lnkd.in/ezJsMeEu #InnovationInHealth #CharlestonHealthcare #KnowledgeEconomy #BlueSkyLabs #ZuckerInstitute #MUSC

Cullum Clark's latest paper, "Engines of Opportunity," delves deep into the intricate dynamics of fostering innovation and opportunity within communities. Let's uncover three pivotal takeaways and how they deeply resonate with findings identified by GIID in our work to advance vibrant and inclusive innovation districts: Geography as a Magnet for Talent: As Cullum notes, "Talented people have a strong preference for living in places where they can interact with other talented people." This underscores the essence of creating vibrant communities that not only attract but also retain top talent—the lifeblood of successful innovation districts. At GIID, deep work with practitioners on the ground and deep empirical analysis of districts across 15 countries led us to develop a core planning principle: create a “mash-up” of spaces, uses, and people - areas where a diverse array of actors and activities converge in close proximity. Powerfully, these areas create a feeling of critical mass given the high levels of connection, communication, and “churn.”   Investing in Education for Innovation: Cullum emphasizes, "Human capital investments, including education, are a key part of the story in the success of innovation hubs." At GIID, our empirical analysis of districts reveal that community-focused investments, such as schools and libraries, also play a key role in giving everyone reason to make the district their own. These place-based assets help determine if a district will be used exclusively for highly educated talent or become an inclusive place for everyone.   Building Resilience through Collaboration: Cullum underscores the significance of building resilient communities capable of adapting to economic shifts. He affirms, "Communities that are inclusive, affordable, and offer opportunity can help bolster resilience in the face of economic disruptions." GIID analysis identifies that districts can and must do more to advance equity and inclusion. Working with districts across regions and countries—exposing innovative practice and working with them in deep strategy sessions—is how we will help them become stronger engines of equitable growth.     Link to the report:  https://lnkd.in/e2jDeeA3 #InnovationDistrict #EconomicDevelopment #Education #Collaboration #EnginesOfOpportunity George W. Bush Presidential Center  

What is the balance between fighting the good fight and rest? I often think of this quote when I'm considering this push and pull: “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” Helen Keller I sing the praises of rest. I do this, in particular, as a physician who advocates for my healthcare colleagues getting adequate sleep, taking regular vacations, and setting themselves up for sabbatical experiences as a means of professional longevity. My stance on the need for more rest and restoration in medicine is unchanged. But here’s the thing: steel that is forged in fire is stronger. Bonds that are formed in battle stand the tests of time and geography. Discomfort signals growth. Resting all the time is the surest way to atrophy as a compassionate human and as a medical professional. We have, and will continue to have, many opportunities for growth. The pandemic was a time of true trial and suffering for many in healthcare and for the millions of families who lost loved ones. Theres no end in sight for the healthcare workforce shortage. And, here in Alabama (as in Texas and in Florida), those of us who work to make our professional institutions more equitable, preserve the dignity of all of our colleagues, and train a diverse group of future leaders, have had a new obstacle placed in our paths. SB 129, signed into law last week, placed restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in universities and state institutions. But we are undeterred by this lack of ease and quiet. Our values remain unchanged. The excellence we are nurturing here in Alabama will continue to flourish. If you ever are looking for a career in a beautiful area, full of incredible people who are brilliant innovators and excellent colleagues, don’t hesitate: come and join us! #alabama #alabamastrong #birmingham #excellence #research #innovation #DEI #inclusiveworkplace #safeworkplace #valuesdriven #puropsefilled #growthmindset #getbackupagain #payequity #genderequity #neurodiversity #racialjustice #multigenerational #workforce #openandaffirming #marriageequality

#TNToday As an economic developer *for a few years* now, I’ve celebrated the big wins, hunkered down in complicated economic times (hello 2010) and worked with great companies, creative colleagues, and now navigating an industrial shift in #technology and #mobility. While still fueled by a consistent drip of coffee, I’ve been asked to be part of a tremendous new #economicdevelopment initiative called #TNGO with Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. While I still work for the University of Tennessee System, I was honored to be asked to come back and think through new tools to help companies create more resilient roots in Tennessee, more ways to retain and innovate, and look to attract more R&D and engineering jobs to our state. This initiative looks to capitalize on the great work happening at our universities and across our educational system, start-up space, and communities - urban and rural- in Tennessee. Grateful to also spend time with TEAM TN this week for the opportunity to speak. We want to capture more federal partnerships like this from the National Science Foundation (NSF). As we move forward, we want to understand what are the barriers, what TN companies are thinking and planning for and what are our communities are thinking about as we live through a new mobility shift. So if you are a Tennessee stakeholder, company, economic developer - we need your insight. See below ⬇️ https://tngo.tnecd.com 📸 my TNGO colleague Lindsey Tipton and I - asking questions, fueled by coffee … #LetsTNGo #FromMountainCitytoMemphis #advancedmobility #partnership #proactive #econdev #economicdevelopment #innovation #RandD #testing #automotive

As an ambassador for the Stanford Center on Longevity (SCL), I'm deeply engaged in navigating the profound changes brought about by the era of the 100-year life. We're at a pivotal moment where longer lifespans require transformative shifts in our societal structures and norms. At SCL, we're leading the charge by pioneering research, education, and outreach initiatives aimed at shaping a future where longer lives are not just a reality but also healthier, more rewarding, and equitable for all. Through our collaborative efforts, we're identifying evidence-based solutions to enhance the quality of longer lives at every stage. From advocating for policies that promote well-being and equity to addressing disparities in healthcare and education, we're committed to creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the age of longevity. Follow along and comment as I work with the Stanford Center on Longevity to build a world where every individual's journey is infused with a sense of belonging, purpose, and worth. • • • • #bestagermodel #ageisjustanumber #fitover70 #bestager #ageism #defyageism #defyageprejudice #proaging #ageisonlyanumber #agediscrimination #agediversity #ageadvocate #socialadvocate #artagainstageism #StanfordCenterOnLongevity #stanford #stanforduniversity #everydayaging #agepositive #reinvention #agelessliving #embraceaging #dailymotivation #agingisart #NewMapOfLife #LongevityJourney #SCLAmbassador

"Equity is the soul and spirit of democracy. It is the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, and the understanding that each person deserves fair treatment and opportunity." Melinda Gates NYU Silver School of Social Work - Inaugural DEI Research Day "Equity is Freedom: Translational Research for an Inclusive Future" on May, 2, 2024 from 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm, EST. Join us and meet our presenters: Dr. Linda Lausell Bryant, Dr. RaJade M. Berry-James, Doris F. Chang, PhD, Grace DeFino, Dr. Ben Sher, DSW, LMSW, Gerri K. Connaught, PhD, LMSW, Fatima Mabrouk, MSW, Krushika Uday Patankar, MSW, Eunnie "Rosie" Lee, Brooke T., Keely Haw, Khadija Israel, Lauren Kehoe, and Shay Wasler. Equity is ensuring that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances. Freedom is the ability of individuals to exercise their rights and pursue their goals without undue restrictions or barriers. Equity is a pathway to freedom when everyone has equitable access to opportunities. Translational Research is applying research findings to practical applications that benefit society. It bridges the gap between scientific discoveries and their implementation in real-world settings. Inclusive Future is when all individuals have opportunities to thrive, and is characterized by diversity, equity, and respect for the human health and well-being for all members of the society.

Spitalfields Housing Association is participating with Fairville: a Research and Innovation Action funded by the EU programme Horizon Europe Facing Inequalities and democratic challenges through Co-production in Cities   Fairville intends to address embedded urban inequalities and the challenge this poses to democracy in large cities and urban regions. It will do so by intervening in low-income neighbourhoods that face a growing distance to the institutions and processes of representative democracy. Fairville reimagines the long-term impact of various inequalities on democratic participation, and will use knowledge co-production and participative democracy as strategies of spatial justice to address urban inequalities affecting cities in Europe, and two other mirror cases in Africa. 8 pilot cases (Fairville Labs), implemented in low- income urban areas, will be launched worldwide to demonstrate the capacity of co-production to tackle inequalities and reduce democratic gaps. The Fairville Labs will be places of reinvigorated local democratic engagement between four main kinds of partners: 1) civil-society organisations, CBO’s and ordinary residents and users 2) academics and researchers; 3) third party facilitators and advocacy organisations 4) local authorities. To find out more, email [email protected] Fairville-eu Verge - HorizonEurope London Borough of Tower Hamlets European Commission European Parliamentary Research Service UCL IOE - UCL's Faculty of Education and Society

Can you identify any specific competencies that were directly strengthened by DEI? At NYU Silver School of Social Work, we align our work through competencies that are strengthen through First Friday programs. Here are the competencies from our recent visit with Mount Sinai Health System. Consultation: To learn, understand, and identify opportunities for antiracism support for an inclusive work environment. Critical Inquiry: To promote equity-minded practices, and evaluate initiatives. Ethical Practice: To be an ethical agent of change who promotes NASW core values, standards, and accountability. Global and Cultural Humility: Examining our biases and blind spots, and treating all individuals with respect and dignity. Leadership and Navigation: Creating a compelling vision that aligns with the school's social justice mission, strategic direction, and climate. Relationship Building: Developing and maintaining a network, working collaboratively, promoting a culture of inclusivity. Accessibility: Ensuring that programs, systems, and spaces are designed so everyone can fully participate. Mount Sinai’s leadership in Antiracism healthcare practice centers the health and wellbeing of all.

How can #Illinois researchers address inequality & inequity in community-engaged research? Join Ross Wantland (Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) & Karen Simms (CU Trauma & Resilience Initiative, Inc.) to explore how inequalities and inequity can emerge in community-engaged research and our responsibility as researchers to address it. Participants in this interactive workshop will walk away with strategies to incorporate principles of equity-minded practices in their work. This event was rescheduled from the fall. If you previously registered, please be sure to register again! Register for Zoom details: https://lnkd.in/g2Y5QPt9 This event was rescheduled from the fall. If you previously registered, please be sure to register again! **** About the Community-Engaged Research Series: Hosted by The Center for Social and Behavioral Science, Education at Illinois, and IHSI, the Community-Engaged Research Series aims to build and enhance the experience of community-engaged researchers across campus and provide them with the skills and resources needed to impact research in this space.  Learn more: https://lnkd.in/egCR3yx2