St Petersburg Innovation District

Facilitate greater inclusionary collaboration in search of innovation. The purpose of this activity is to increase multi-sector, cross discipline collaboration by introducing people to each other and the research or work being performed. These collaborations include organizational tours, networking events, STEM activities and speakers or panel discussions. The expectation is that by increasing collaboration we are able to find creative solutions to address community issues and generate employment opportunities for newcomers to the city and citizens in surrounding neighborhoods. Collaborations are tracked and successes shared with the broader community in the website, e-newsletter and social media. This activity is important to the purpose of the organization because it is how we foster learning and inspiration that can in turn support job growth and economic development. This activity is ongoing and occurs predominately in the District, with some events extending into the greater St. Petersburg area. The activity is guided by the Organization's Board of Directors, coordinated by the Organization's Executive Director, and performed by individuals within the member organizations.

Create a sense of place. The purpose of this activity is to physically connect the organizations and spaces in the Organization to support collaboration and attract businesses and talent. This activity includes installing new directional signage, redesigning streets to accomodate walkers and bikers, and encouraging the opening of amenities such as coffee shops and collaborative spaces. This activity began in 2015 with a study conducted by the City of St. Petersburg. The City of St. Petersburg is funding and managing the new signage and street redesign project. The Organization's Board of Directors is guiding the discussion of new amenities in coordination with the City of St. Petersburg, coordinated by the Organization's Executive Director.

Attract new, diverse and intellectual capacity. The purpose of this activity is to fuel the economic growth of St. Petersburg. This is accomplished by enhancing the research and education capabilities, assisting in the recruitment and diversification of the employment base, and assisting in the attraction or incubation of new businesses. This activity includes encouraging new research projects, providing support for companies looking to relocate, and assisting in the expansion of incubator organizations. This activity is important for the Organization to enable job growth through the addition of new employers and expansion of existing employers. This activity is ongoing and occurs predominately in the District, with some events extending into the greater St. Petersburg area. The activity is guided by the Organization's Board of Directors, coordinated by the Organization's Executive Director, and performed by individuals within the member organizations.