Greitens creates Innovation Task Force to accelerate Missouri startup growth

On Monday, Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens launched a task force to spur startup activity and innovation in the State of Missouri.

The governor’s Innovation Task Force will give an overall assessment of innovation in the Show Me State, analyze other states to glean best practices and develop specific recommendations.

“While Missouri has emerged as a hub for innovation in the Midwest, more must be done if we are to remain competitive and reach Missouri’s full potential as a national leader,” Greitens said in a release. “The work of the governor’s Innovation Task Force will ensure that Missouri’s strategy is informed by the best minds from business, nonprofits, and government.”

Combining private, nonprofit and public sector leaders from across Missouri, the task force will aim to promote technology startups and improve the state’s national competitiveness.The task force will engage the community by hosting workshops in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, and Cape Girardeau. The Kansas City area roundtable workshop is set for June 22.

Greitens tapped the state’s chief operating officer Drew Erdmann to sponsor the project, along with the nonpartisan Hawthorn Foundation.  

“Accelerating the growth of good paying jobs is critical to Missouri’s future,” Greitens said in a release. “Missouri must find smart, efficient ways to support innovation, entrepreneurs, and new technology startups.

The task force is set to complete its assessments and recommendations by August. Recommendations may include executive or legislative action to catalyze innovation in the state.