Unlocking the Potential of Omaha’s Innovation Assets
Introduction
The greater Omaha region, which includes Douglas and Lancaster Counties and the cities of Omaha and Lincoln, has historically been successful at developing a thriving economy and providing high quality of life for its residents. The regional population has tripled since 1950, and an unusual number of large companies birthed in Omaha have become global powerhouses. Led by very strong private philanthropy, the Omaha region has developed world-class recreational and cultural intuitions. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium,Omaha Performing Arts, Joslyn Art Museum, and host facilities for the CollegeWorld Series are shining examples of this success.
The challenge for greater Omaha, like all regions, is that current and past success is no guarantee of a bright future. The Detroit region had the highest per capita income in the United States in 1950. By 2020, its per capita income was ranked among the lowest of any large American metropolitan region. In today’s economy, regional economic success increasingly depends on bold leadership from a coordinated set of regional actors. Modern metropolitan regions need to be organized to build and attract new companies and businesses that will grow incomes and opportunity for residents.
Today, thriving regions are building what is commonly known as an innovation economy. Seattle, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Austin, Boston, andIndianapolis, among many other examples, have all embraced innovation economies and become leaders in producing great new companies and creating new industries. As these cities have shown, a successful innovation economy creates new jobs and wealth, attracts and retains young, highly-skilled workers, makes social mobility more likely, and fosters a vibrant problem-solving culture.
For Omaha’s success to endure, regional leaders must act boldly to build an innovation economy that creates the next generation of wealth and expands prosperity to all parts of the community.
Report Overview
This report is an assessment of the Omaha region’s current innovation ecosystem, as well as recommendations for what needs to be done to make Omaha a national leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.
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