NSF Engines Case Studies: Accelerating Regional Innovation

The NSF Engines Case Studies: Accelerating Regional Innovation project seeks to develop at least three (3) detailed, living, and descriptive case studies of NSF Regional Innovation Engines regions that provide a point-in-time snapshot of a regional ecosystem’s existing partnerships, innovation goals and methodologies, regional economic impact, infrastructure investments, and broader ecosystem development progress. AFA will also provide technical assistance to NSF Engines selected for the case studies, specifically focused on economic development strategies that connect to NSF’s broader technology-focused innovation priorities. The research will analyze the progress and impact of existing NSF Engine awardees selected for case studies, while also providing clear examples of strategic approach and corresponding impact for regions seeking to develop their own successful innovation ecosystems. This work builds upon the economic development impacts and technology acceleration progress made by various NSF Engines regions, providing a clear analysis to inform best practices, future programmatic design choices, and regional approaches to innovation-focused economic development. By developing living, descriptive case studies for a rapidly evolving region, this project will provide critical documentation of the on-the-ground work that is currently taking place in communities across the nation. NSF Engines are directly tied to technology areas of national interest, and drive economic development outcomes by centering research, translational, and workforce development activities that seek to establish and grow an innovation ecosystem in a topic area with a clear regional competitive advantage. Over the course of 12 months, the proposed project will provide multiple check-in points to assess and determine how three distinct NSF Engines have evolved, how NSF investment has enabled economic development impacts, and the networks and partnerships that have catalyzed the growth of the ecosystem itself. The project will also provide key technical assistance to selected regions that draw on AFA’s extensive economic development background. The activities supported by this award have a significant chance to advance national priorities, bolster regional economic growth, and advance technological progress. This award’s activities are led by Accelerator for America, a non-profit organization that has extensive experience providing technical assistance and economic development support to over 160 communities. Over two years, AFA will work to launch the case studies effort, with the first year focused on an initial stage of research that will be published and the second year providing a follow-up opportunity to assess changes and developments. Investment in this project is both consistent and well-aligned with the goals and broad strategic objectives of NSF TIP. This investment is consistent with agency’s goals and the scientific and technological community’s interest in understanding how to further expand the regional impact of its place-based investments and, consequently, drive positive economic outcomes for all Americans. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.