Rochester aims to lead as a national innovation economy | On Business

For generations, Rochester has been a place where the future was invented. The camera that transformed how the world captured memories; the copier that changed how information is shared; advanced optics, imaging technologies, medical breakthroughs, and countless innovations that helped shape the modern world were born right in our backyard.

But today we’re at a crossroads and face an important question: Will we, as a region, build on the innovation that is integral to our region’s DNA, attracting new opportunities, investment, and progress, or are we satisfied with our historical legacy? I believe the answer is clear.

The next great opportunity for Greater Rochester is to become one of America’s leading innovation economies — a place where possibility turns into progress, ideas turn into companies, companies create jobs, and jobs create opportunities for us all to rise together.

Our region already possesses many of the ingredients necessary for success, and the world has noticed. In 2019, researchers out of MIT identified Greater Rochester as the number-one metro area for future technology growth in the United States. In 2023, Rochester was named a federal tech hub alongside our partners in Buffalo and Syracuse; and just this July, our region was selected as a national laser innovation hub through the NSF Engines program.

These designations and investments come thanks to the world-class universities in our region. Thanks to the researchers, entrepreneurs, engineers, healthcare professionals, and skilled workers who call our region home. Thanks to the globally recognized leaders in optics, photonics, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, emerging semiconductor technologies, and other industry experts. We have all of the ingredients for success — what we choose to do with them is the challenge.

Our region — from economic champions to elected leaders to frontline workers — needs to unite around a common goal to power the future. As Jim Senall articulated in his recent column, we need to mobilize these leaders to be catalysts and align around an economic “North Star.” We have proven we can innovate. Now, we must prove we can organize.

We’ve seen this as a proven model for success. Pittsburgh has dialed in on robotics and advanced technology. Austin has built a global technology ecosystem. The Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, North Carolina) became a model for commercializing university research. Each of these regions chose a mission, aligned on a vision, and moved strategically with the understanding that innovation is not just invention, but the creation of economic opportunity that comes along with it.

If Rochester can commit to doing the same, opportunity is endless. If we can commit to strengthening the connection between research and commercialization, we can make it easier for innovators to scale businesses here in Rochester rather than leaving. If we can commit to embracing entrepreneurship, we will breed the next Kodak, Xerox, Paychex, or Constellation Brands — all companies that once began with a small team working on a breakthrough idea. If we can commit to talent attraction and retention as a communal responsibility, we will prove to the thousands of students graduating from our region’s academic institutions each year that they can build a career and a life right here. If we commit to strengthening our startup ecosystem, we can provide the capital, mentoring, support, and opportunities to grow companies in Rochester.

And finally, and perhaps most importantly, if we commit to working together, we can reach our goals. Economic success is a team sport. No single organization, university, agency, business, foundation, elected official, or person can build an innovation economy alone. The communities that succeed are the ones that align around common goals and move forward together. This mission belongs to all of us.

When we all work together, big things will be possible. In office parks, research labs, and executive boardrooms, the future will be created. And in neighborhoods that have been underinvested and ignored for generations, a brighter future will be ahead. When the mission belongs to all of us, that means all of us must benefit. Workforce development, technical education, and career pathways must be central to this effort to lift people up and expand opportunity throughout the community.

Today, Rochester stands at an extraordinary moment. The decisions we make today and tomorrow will determine whether we seize the opportunity or let other communities build momentum. I believe Rochester is ready to lead. And I hope you’ll join me in getting to work on this.

Robert J. Duffy is president and CEO of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. Contact him at [email protected].