The following is a guest column written by Robert Kerr, executive director of innovation and opportunity at the University of Illinois Springfield, that was published by the Illinois Times on Aug. 31, 2023.
"The University of Illinois Springfield is excited to share its vision for the new innovation center that will open in downtown Springfield in 2025. The center is being designed to positively impact our economy, community and citizens. As a 30-year resident of the city's north end —with a background in education, economic development and workforce programs — I am proud to serve as its executive director.
Development is already underway at the UIS-owned building at 401 E. Washington St. – only a few blocks from the state Capitol. Once renovated, the center will drive innovation, economic growth and workforce development across the state. Specifically, the center will work with industry, government and partner institutions to build a robust human capital and innovation pipeline by expanding existing programs and creating new initiatives in business incubation and acceleration, technology commercialization, public policy research and graduate and professional education."