Illinois State University has been an active member of the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) since 2019. The IIN is a collaborative effort by the state’s public universities to drive inclusive and integrated research, innovation, and economic growth throughout the state. The state is organized around 15 innovation hubs to accomplish this goal. The Office of Research and Graduate Studies at Illinois State University is tasked with leading the Bloomington-Normal Innovation Hub.
In the spring, the Office of Research and Graduate Studies convened a team to develop a five-year strategic plan defining the hub’s priorities and guiding its future direction. The team is comprised of:
- Natalie Alexander, Career Services
- Frank Beck, Stevenson Center for Community & Economic Development
- Christine Bruckner, Sustainability
- Rebekka Darner, Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology
- Charles Edamala, Technology Solutions
- Kristi Glesne, Heartland Community College
- Craig Jackson, Technology Solutions
- Peter Kaufman, Department of Marketing
- Craig McLauchlan, Research and Graduate Studies
- Casey Peterson, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council
- Anthony Piña, Center for Integrated Professional Development
- Curt Rendall, Heartland Community College
- Harriett Steinbach, Research and Graduate Studies
- Jason Wagoner, Research and Sponsored Programs
In addition to extensive analysis of relevant information and documents from Illinois State University, Bloomington-Normal, and national initiatives, five campus focus groups and four community focus groups were conducted. Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships in the Office of Research and Graduate Studies Dr. Harriett Steinbach has been leading the planning process. “I am pleased with the comprehensive approach the planning team has taken to create this strategic plan. I’m excited to share this draft with campus and community and look forward to incorporating the feedback into the next draft.”
The committee is now asking for campus and community input on the current draft of the plan. Feedback can be provided via survey until October 11. It will take 10-15 minutes to review the vision, mission, goals, and objectives and provide feedback. The plan is organized around the three pillars of sustainability: social sustainability, environmental sustainability, and economic sustainability.
Any individual or department that is interested in learning more about Illinois State University’s involvement with the IIN is encouraged to contact Steinbach at hmstein@IllinoisState.edu for a meeting or presentation.
Provide feedback on the Bloomington-Normal Innovation Hub strategic plan. Illinois State is also hosting the Illinois Innovation Network’s Sustainability Research Conference on October 17-18, 2024.
