Developing an Innovation Hub

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

Bossier Parish, Louisiana, an area historically dominated by manufacturing and oil and gas industries, developed a strategic plan to diversify its economic base and become an innovation hub. Bossier Parish leadership gathered its key stakeholders including the Cyber Innovation Center (CIC), a not-for-profit corporation in Bossier, and together created a multi-faceted approach. First, Bossier leadership supported the creation of a knowledge-based workforce capable of filling the high-tech jobs they planned to recruit to the community. Bossier Parish Schools became a strategic partner and served as a test-bed for program development and model for implementation, which is now nationally recognized. Next, Bossier worked with its economic development partners to create a business climate that could successfully attract technology-based companies. In 2013, Bossier Parish partnered with the CIC to recruit Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), a Fortune 200 company, to locate its new integrated technology center and 800 high-tech jobs in the parish. The CSC groundbreaking took place in September 2014. Finally, Bossier Parish supported the creation of and became home to the Louisiana Tech Research Institute, which serves as a catalyst for innovation that solves complex problems, drives economic advancement, and fosters collaboration. Bossier Parish’s long-term, disciplined approach is transforming its community.