Since launching earlier this summer (June 2 to be exact) SURGE (Supporting U.S. Regional Growth & Entrepreneurship) has brought together regional coalition leaders from across the country to exchange ideas, learn from experts, and find ways to strengthen their coalitions.
Led by US Ignite with support from the U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP), SURGE is designed to help regional coalitions build on their momentum, tackle common challenges, and connect with peers and experts who have navigated similar work.
One way the SURGE team is creating those connections is through Insights from the Field, a webinar series featuring members of the SURGE Board and their practical lessons from working across regional economic development, workforce, government, industry, and technology.
The first two conversations explored two challenges that come up again and again for regional coalitions: building partnerships that last and developing workforce systems that connect people to opportunity. Check out the recordings from these two initial conversations below:
Coalition Building and Governance with Andrew Trueblood
Successful regional partnerships require shared vision, strong leadership, and long-term collaboration. Drawing on lessons from Tech Hubs, Build Back Better, NSF Engines, and regional innovation initiatives across the country, SURGE board member, Andrew Trueblood, shares practical insights on:
- Building coalition governance structures that last
- Sustaining partnerships beyond funding cycles
- Aligning stakeholders around shared regional goals
- Creating momentum for future opportunities
Watch to gain actionable strategies to help you strengthen your own regional partnerships and innovation ecosystems.
Building Regional Workforce Ecosystems with Stacey Johnson
Stacey Johnson shares lessons from directing more than $500 million in workforce initiatives on how regions can build sustainable workforce systems by shifting from funding isolated programs to creating connected pathways across K-12 CTE, community colleges, universities, industry, and economic development. Through the discussion, Stacey describes:
- The importance of early alignment on a shared mission, transparent planning, and joint data collection before pursuing major grants.
- Why siloed partners, inconsistent metrics, and shallow employer participation weaken outcomes
- How to compete for federal investment by understanding program intent, partnering strategically, and using matchmaking support.
Watch to gather insights on building a coalition that effectively nourishes a workforce ecosystem.
More to come from SURGE
These conversations are just the beginning. Through Insights from the Field and other SURGE activites, regional leaders will continue to see exciting opportunities to connect with experienced practitioners and to exchange ideas and best practices with peers.
If you are part of, or leading a coalition working toward economic development in your region, check out SURGE and see how you can turn your momentum into results.