TechPoint presents plan for cross-industry tech adoption after report says state is lagging
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Indianapolis-based not-for-profit growth accelerator TechPoint is angling for Indiana to be a better receptor to technology business development through a number of storytelling, outreach, programming and partnership initiatives potentially leading to the subsequent growth of the state’s economy.
A TechPoint-commissioned report with TEConomy Partners LLC examined the intricacies of the state’s tech sector related to other advanced industries and how it drives growth in the Indiana’s economy. It found the state lags in industry tech adoption, needs to embrace a transition to tech-enabled applications and skills, and meet the demand for cross-sector core-tech and tech-reliant jobs.
Though the report says the state may fall behind in the digital age without action, it and TechPoint leaders say this brings opportunity for the state to rise as a global leader.
Where Indiana stands
Not only does Indiana have talent shortages, TechPoint President and CEO Ting Gootee said, but the state lags in technology investment and adoption across sectors, compared to the national average. That leads to setbacks in growth, increment measure and productivity.
“And why is productivity important?” Gootee said. “Because that’s essentially tied to our wages and our personal incomes and how essentially tying to our economic prosperity.”
Non-traditional, tech-reliant companies are increasingly adapting and introducing more technology into their business as a means to stay competitive in the industry, she said. Companies can use such to drive already existing and new products and services in the state, she said, mentioning Eli Lilly and Co. in Indianapolis and Columbus-based Cummins Inc. as examples.
Gootee said the state has the potential for growth in tech adoption in other industry sectors.
This is a topic TechPoint has worked with the state long-term on, Gootee said. The state works with the organization and others to further make the business sector more attractive to entrepreneurs and outside businesses.
The report found, while behind, the state is poised to become a global leader if, with its current position, it bolsters its current industries’ economic impact and grow the tech workforce.
The state is already doing a great job in terms of sustaining its research and development, high-ranking universities and corporate ecosystem as well, Gootee said. Now, she said TechPoint, the state and its partners need to shine a light on Indiana as an engine for digital innovation as well to further other technology adaption.
TechPoint’s plan of action
Using the report as a guide, TechPoint is launching a three-pronged approach to tackle the opportunity Gootee says is before the state. It’s a plan doubling down on its already rolling push to grow tech in the state.
The first is to expand collaboration between technology leadership across industries. Through acquiring the Indiana CIO Network, which already has framework of information technology expert gathering, TechPoint will expand its offering for advanced industries to participate as well and discuss greater cross-industry tech adoption.
The next step is increasing tech hiring across sectors as part of TechPoint’s Mission41K initiative which looks to add 41,000 workers to the state’s tech workforce, whether in the industry or other advanced industries by 2030. The initiative kicked off last September to find, attract and hire tech talent in the state through apprenticeships and adoption strategies.
“To build industry of the future, it’s really kind of a hinged upon our ability to attract the top talent and present them with the right opportunity — exciting opportunities.” Gootee said.
Lastly, TechPoint will work with partners like Hardtech Indiana to create more programming to encourage startups to adapt technology into advanced manufacturing and logistics.
This also goes along with TechPoint’s storytelling and marketing materials to showcase Indiana as a growing and friendly business environment and how cross-sector collaboration will drive long-term change. It also includes a series of articles and videos highlighting innovation leaders in the state and functions like the Mira Awards, honoring the “Best in Tech” in Indiana.
TechPoint said those PR pushes can have the impact to make business leaders think about their product catalog and where they stand in the greater community and industry.