SC Department of Commerce releases Innovation Plan

Workforce development and external and internal promotion have been identified as two major areas where South Carolina can help advance its innovation economy in the South Carolina Innovation Plan, recently released by the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

The plan concludes that aggressively marketing the state’s technological and innovation successes will help bolster South Carolina’s reputation, while preparing a skilled workforce to meet the needs of fast-growing tech-related startups will be key to encouraging further growth and activity. The plan’s focus is on innovative companies and concepts within the advanced manufacturing, life sciences and biotechnology, and computer hardware and software sectors.

The SC Department of Commerce will begin addressing the recommendations in the plan by hiring a new Innovation Director.

To prepare the plan, S.C. Commerce’s Division of Research met with thought leaders and stakeholders around the state, including startup and established companies; investors; larger industries with innovation departments; groups and organizations that assist with startup companies; universities; life sciences companies; and, individuals who have successfully built, scaled and sold companies.

Council President & CEO Ann Marie Stieritz served on the Innovation Plan Steering Committee.

Read the entire Innovation Plan here>>