Innovation Collective

Storytelling matters. Too often in communities we forget that we can gather for positive and inspiring moments and not just gather to protest or to complain about potholes. Every community needs positive social experiences that gather residents as they are inspired, set goals, and learn from each other as they build a better tomorrow. Here is a with video from our CEO, Nick Smoot, about the power of story.

We've been having the best time engaging with the Cooperative Extension network over the last year. Starting around this time last year, we strengthened our relationship with Extensions by partnering with Extension Foundation for the REACH program. This was a year-long program where we’re working with extension agents to drive local innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems, focusing on human flourishing and community-driven economic growth. 🌟 This included working with University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and Oregon State University Extension Service in specific communities. Nick Smoot also was invited to present at the NACDEP (National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals) Conference, where he shared how the methodology is transforming lives and catalyzing new economic opportunities. Together with Extension, we’re creating opportunities for humans to flourish, creating a center of gravity and purpose-based experiences for community engagement. The best part? We’re just getting started! By harnessing local extension offices and talent and bringing people together through meaningful projects, we’re shaping the future of these communities in powerful ways. 💡 Huge thanks to our partners at Cooperative Extension and the Extension Foundation’s REACH program for believing in the potential of rural communities and supporting innovative ecosystems. 🌍 #CommunityDevelopment #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #ExtensionFoundation #RuralInnovation #EconomicGrowth #HumanFlourishing

Last week, our CEO Nick Smoot was in North Dakota running a workshop called City Building as a Game: How to Design and Measure Flourishing Cities. Cities need to be engaging in the process of helping people design a life around setting great goals, learning useful skills in service of the goals, and hosting and attending incredible events that all support this project-based way of living. We work with communities to create Flourishing Plans. The design of Flourishing Plans can become more complex as you apply it to a city-wide economy, a real estate development, or a corporation, but the principles are the same— set goals, learn skills, and attend events all in service of the journey toward individual and shared goals. Want to learn more? Reach out for your city or pick up a copy of the book.

In every thriving community, there is a focal point—a "vertical" that defines its identity, drives its economy, and shapes its future. This vertical could be an industry, a cause, or a shared vision that unites people and resources toward common goals. Without a clear vertical, a community can struggle with direction. Efforts become fragmented, resources spread too thin, and potential opportunities are missed. Conversely, when a community rallies around a shared vertical, it creates a powerful gravitational pull, attracting talent, investment, and innovation. #flourishingcommunities

I’m long on #rural America. The social fabric is much stronger there than in urban settings. There are obstacles to healthy and sustained growth in small towns; but I believe #flourishing rural communities is a key next step to the cycle of our nation.

Do you believe in the power of collaboration and gatherings with intent? build_100_Cities is your chance to lead the charge in creating a vibrant, innovation-driven community. We’re looking for leaders ready to revolutionize economic development through community collaboration and appreciative inquiry. This is more than just economic development—it's about creating a future where everyone flourishes together. Ready to make a difference? Apply today and be part of this new program where your community members create and your businesses thrive 🌍 #Build100 #CommunityCollaboration #InnovationEcosystem #EconomicDevelopment #Teamwork

Once a month, we gather with those who are passionate about innovation and economic growth in their community. They are startup founders, entrepreneurs, or an enthusiastic community member. We walk through tools, strategies, and best practices needed to organize impactful events and experiences. We meet monthly but different activators drop in on different months. It is designed for anyone interested in creating a flourishing and collaborative entrepreneurial environment in their community. https://lu.ma/vbamxclm

🌟 Cities, it’s time to gear up! 🌟 It’s time to turn economic development into a team sport and embrace a new era of innovation! 🚀 Introducing build_ 100 Cities 🚀 Apply to join us in build_ 100 Cities, a national campaign designed for leaders eager to elevate economic development. A modern approach that equips you with the best tools, knowledge, and support to supercharge your local innovation ecosystem. Lead a change in your city, armed with cutting-edge resources and a network of the brightest minds in economic development. Utilizing state-of-the-art tools, you can learn from world-class mentors, and connect with peers. Plus, access to grants which only the cohort has access to, that will turbocharge your community's impact, incentivizing residents to set goals and engage in transformative activities. Our Goal: To help you and 99 other cities build vibrant startup ecosystems, grow scalable companies, and turn economic development into a city-wide game where everyone plays a part. Together, let's create a future where every city flourishes with innovation and opportunity. #EconomicDevelopment #Innovation #CommunityBuilding #build100 #FlourishingCity #Leadership

The years of hard work to make #Coeurdalene a leading robotics innovation city is continuing to be realized. Below is a picture of the University of Idaho robotics students demoing a project they have accomplished for the USDA Forest Service. Next to that photo is a picture of the Professor of Robotics from Tokyo City University that we brought to the city to help establish a robotics program in 2014. He came on a sabbatical and University of Idaho and Charles Buck, got him an office to research out of. Thank you to the hard work of so many folks like the City of Coeur d'Alene, Government, the University of Idaho, North Idaho College, Coeur d'Alene Area Economic Development Corporation, Rich Thrasher, Tom Simpson, Ricia Lasso, John C. Shovic, George Tanner, Aiello, Barbara Mueller, Charles Buck, and Itron, Inc. who have all contributed so deeply to the mission of building a successful innovation community with heavy focus on robotics. and most importantly the local community who has engaged and built companies, invented new ways of doing things using technology, and artists who have created with robots... you have all made this vision happen. Here is a link to a 2014 article I wrote about the state of robotics then in the town and where it might go. https://lnkd.in/gbBMgumT Here is an article about the sabbatical in 2015: https://lnkd.in/g7HabVm8 Here is the usda/u of I article: https://lnkd.in/g_M42HRz

Innovation Collective's founder, Nick Smoot, spoke at TEDxFargo. #communityflourishing #appreciativeinquiry