Defining Innovation in Iowa: The Path Forward
Title: Defining Innovation in Iowa: The Path Forward
Author: Brian Waller, President, Technology Association of Iowa
This op-ed, authored by TAI President Brian Waller, was originally published in the Corridor Business Journal on October 8, 2024.
Over the past decade serving as president of the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI), I’ve witnessed tremendous technological integration across Iowa’s key industries — manufacturing, agriculture, banking, and health care. These sectors haven’t just adapted to new technologies; they’ve leveraged them to become leaders in their spaces. History shows that Iowa’s strength lies in its ability to evolve, with our industries demonstrating resilience by embracing cutting-edge technologies and innovative methodologies. This adaptability has enabled growth and success, but there are challenges ahead.
One question looms large: Are we doing enough today to ensure that Iowa remains competitive in a rapidly changing world?
We’ve witnessed amazing advancements alongside unrealized ideas in the last 10 years, creating a landscape where it can be challenging to distinguish between business-ready trends and overhyped concepts. The metaverse, digital currencies, and fully autonomous vehicles were expected to transform the way we live and do business, yet their widespread adoption has been slower than anticipated. We now find ourselves navigating technologies that are somewhere between big ideas and practical innovations that truly meet the needs of our strongest sectors.
Redefining innovation for Iowa
Innovation. It’s a word we hear all the time, but what does it really mean for Iowa? Too often, innovation is seen as the domain of tech giants on the coasts wrapped in cliche buzzwords. But that’s not the whole story. Innovation is a broad and subjective term, and we have the unique opportunity to define what it means for our industries, our communities, and our businesses.
For us, innovation isn’t just about developing the next big tech product. It’s about finding better, smarter ways to do what we already do well. In agriculture, it might mean using advanced tech to improve sustainability and yields. In manufacturing, it’s refining processes to increase efficiency. And in banking, it’s delivering digital services that meet evolving customer needs.
The importance of flexibility and responsiveness
To stay competitive, Iowa needs an ecosystem that’s both innovative and responsive. This isn’t just about businesses — it’s about building a dynamic network where businesses, education and government work together to drive growth and innovation.
However, there’s a gap between where we are and where we need to be. Our current systems are built for stability, but in today’s fast-changing world, we must be nimble.
Talent and leadership: The cornerstones of our future
Talent is the foundation of our ecosystem, but we’re facing a talent shortage that’s holding companies back from growth. So what can we do about it? While the traditional four-year degree remains valuable, it’s time to expand our definition of a qualified workforce. We need to champion alternative pathways — like work-based learning, apprenticeships, and professional development programs — that offer practical, hands-on experience and that better align with industry needs.
Some companies are already moving in this direction, but a broader commitment is critical. Every organization must invest in its people and tech talent, not just to meet immediate needs but to build a more adaptable workforce for the future.
Leadership is equally important in guiding this ecosystem. IT leaders are now integral members of executive teams, directly shaping business strategies. By investing in ongoing learning and growth, we can ensure the next generation of leaders is equipped to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
Imagine an Iowa where every industry — from our farmlands to our financial institutions — isn’t just keeping up with change but driving it. A place where continuous learning empowers the workforce and innovation is deeply rooted in local needs. Where Iowa is a destination to build tech careers, and our collective efforts have positioned us as leaders on a national and global scale.
The path forward
We’re at a critical point as AI and emerging technologies dominate headlines. Our industries are strong, but Iowa and the Midwest are still falling behind. To keep pace and stay successful, we need to adapt. To keep pace, we need to adapt—by accelerating legislative policies, opening up more rural opportunities, and making talent development a top priority.
Our strength lies in our ability to collaborate and innovate while leaning into what we already do well. By planting the seeds of talent, nurturing growth, and building an ecosystem that adapts while staying rooted in Iowa’s unique strengths, we can shape the future of our state. The next 10 years are ours to define — let’s work together to ensure that our definition of innovation sets us.
About the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI)
Founded in 1997, The Technology Association of Iowa is a statewide, member-based organization focused on building and uniting Iowa’s technology community. TAI advances the tech industry through engaging programming, premier events, talent development, driving public policy, and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion to lead Iowa forward.
Get involved at www.technologyiowa.org and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, and on LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Nick Donovan, Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Technology Association of Iowa
E. nick@technologyiowa.org
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