Oregon Innovation Council (Oregon InC)

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The Oregon Innovation Council (Oregon InC) is an initiative created to support entrepreneurs by transforming cutting-edge research into economic development.
What are the main aims and objectives?

The Oregon Innovation Council (Oregon InC) aims to foster innovation and economic growth within the state by creating high-paying jobs, supporting entrepreneurs in establishing new companies, and facilitating the acquisition of federal and private research funds for Oregon's universities. By enhancing access to capital, providing research and development resources, and revitalizing established industries through innovation, Oregon InC strives to diversify the state's economy and ensure sustainable economic development.

How does the program work?

Oregon InC is a publicly funded council that designs and implements high impact industry opportunity projects, signature research centers in target industries and SBIR/STTR grant support programs for the discovery, mentoring, technology development and access to capital for the commercialization of disruptive technology inventions born out of science and research. The council engages in several key activities to drive innovation and economic growth in the state:

1. Funding and Grants

  • Innovation Funding: Oregon InC provides financial support to entrepreneurs and startups through grants and funding programs. These funds help in the development of new technologies and business models.
  • Federal and Private Research Funds: The council assists universities and businesses in obtaining federal and private research funds, facilitating groundbreaking research and development.

2. Access to Resources

  • R&D Facilities: Oregon InC grants businesses access to state-of-the-art research and development facilities and laboratories, which are essential for innovation but often inaccessible to smaller companies.
  • Expertise and Mentorship: The council connects businesses with researchers, industry experts, and mentors to provide guidance and technical support.

3. Strategic Sector Support

  • Targeted Industry Support: Focuses on emerging industry sectors where Oregon has competitive advantages, such as active lifestyle, advanced manufacturing, clean technology, and natural resources.
  • Innovation Ecosystem Development: Works on building a robust innovation ecosystem by fostering collaboration among businesses, universities, and government entities.

4. Commercialization and Market Entry

  • Product Development: Supports the commercialization of new products and technologies, helping businesses bring their innovations to market.
  • Market Expansion: Provides resources and support for businesses looking to expand into new markets, both domestically and internationally.

5. Policy and Advocacy

  • Innovation-Friendly Policies: Advocates for policies and regulations that create a conducive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • Public Awareness and Education: Promotes the importance of innovation through public awareness campaigns and educational programs.

6. Industry Revitalization

  • Modernization Initiatives: Helps established industries adopt new technologies and innovative practices to remain competitive and profitable.
  • Sustainability Practices: Encourages the integration of sustainable practices in business operations to ensure long-term environmental and economic health.

7. Strategic Planning

  • 10-Year Innovation Plan: Develops and updates a strategic innovation plan that outlines the council’s long-term goals and priorities, ensuring continuous support for Oregon’s economy through innovation.
What is the overall cost?

The requested budget for 2021-2023 was $9 million. 

How was it implemented?

The council was created through legislative action by the Oregon State Legislature as part of a strategic effort by the state government to foster innovation, economic growth, and competitiveness. The council is part of Business Oregon which is the state’s economic development agency. 

What impact has been measured?

The average wage of jobs created is $78K/year, more than double the state average. Since 2012, Oregon InC initiatives have generated just over 800 jobs, measured not by the initiative but by the state using just W-2, full-time wage positions from established companies. Self-reported jobs number trend about 3x state calculated jobs.

Business Oregon also tracks the economic progress of the state through an Innovation Index which is updated each year. 

What lessons can be learned?

After nearly 12 years with this program, we have learned some key lessons and found the following things essential:

1) a diverse public-private board

2) clear criteria for how money is spent and how decisions are made

3) a competitive process where funding is directly tied to a scope of work

4) flexible funding in order to quickly react to new opportunities must be preserved

Notes + Additional Context

Oregon InC was established to bridge the gap of resources, mentoring and access to capital for commercializing disruptive technological inventions born out of science and research. Over the years it had to evolve as business incubators and accelerators became prevalent and research universities brought on technology transfer offices. 

CURATED BY

Heather Stafford

United States