By Benjamin Garcia
Twitter: @AzNewsmedia

Arizona State University and Arizona business leaders at the Partnership for Economic Innovation came together virtually bringing together innovative minds to find digital solutions to real-world problems.

Dean Duncan, executive director of the Partnership for Economic Innovation, believes now is a critical time for the future economic sustainability of Arizona.

“We’re at a critical juncture in shaping our collective economic future. The decisions we make will impact the potential for the next generation to access the jobs and opportunities of the future or be successful in building them here in Arizona,” Mr. Duncan said. “The Summit is an opportunity to bring innovators, business leaders and elected leaders together to discuss how we can create a strong and diverse economy through investment in applied research, workforce development and education.”

The summit, Mr. Duncan outlines, is an opportunity for leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to come together to discuss the solutions to help maintain economic momentum.

Anyone who participated in the event was also treated to homegrown Arizona entrepreneurs and global business leaders discussing the work driving Arizona’s economic ecosystem today — and into the future.

“The event was attended by a diverse cross-section of community leaders, business leaders, economists, policy leaders and everyday Arizonans. It was an event where leaders and the public were able to come together to discuss the importance of investment in our innovation economic ecosystem to ensure success for all Arizona families in the future,” Mr. Duncan said.

“We even had an innovator from Vermont asking how he could move his company to Arizona. One of our participants joined from Taiwan. It was 2 a.m. in Taiwan, so we were very grateful.

Overall, according to Mr. Duncan, the Summit was a success. The event informed and helped innovators and entrepreneurs come together and help plan a better-suited economy in Arizona for the 21st century.

“The event was a success with over 300 registrants from Arizona and across the country,” Mr. Duncan pointed out. “Participants welcomed the opportunity to learn more about innovation in Arizona and how we can leverage the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship and policy to create the economy of the future.”