Get Involved
Right Arrow
Stay informed of new research published and other Citizens Research Council news.
Array
November 20, 2024

Grand Rapids Area: Economic Innovation and Public Policy in Michigan

Using Public Policy to Spur New Tech Innovation/R&D in Michigan

Back by popular demand! Join Us for Conversation and Lunch on the West side of the State.

You are invited to join the Citizens Research Council of Michigan over lunch and a unique research presentation examining the economics of innovation and the critical role that public policy can play in incentivizing the research and development that drives the development of new technologies.

Economists agree that economic innovation and the productivity increases that it brings are the key drivers of long-term economic growth and higher standards of living.

Over lunch, senior Research Council analyst Robert Schneider will present findings from his recent report on the relationship between public policy and the economics of innovation technology. He will review state-level programs designed to provide financing and business support to potential start-ups and early-stage companies bringing new technologies and product innovations to market. The new report will examine the scope of innovation and entrepreneurship programs offered in Michigan and selected neighboring competitor states, comparing public investment levels across these states. He will also outline revenue resources that could be tapped to increase Michigan’s public investments in innovation and entrepreneurship programming.

Panel Discussion Featuring: 

  • Zachary Meyer, Partner-Grand Rapids, Varnum.  Assists clients in business law practices in the areas of corporate governance and structuring, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance, with significant experience working with startups and emerging companies and in the forestry products and manufacturing industries. Former Crain’s Grand Rapids Business 40 Under 40 and Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Health Care Law.
  • Janet Wyllie, Senior Program Manager, MSU Research Foundation, serves as the SmartZone Gateway Representative for Grand Rapids working with early-stage start-up companies throughout the region. MSU Research Foundation is focused on enhancing research, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, and facilitating economic growth at MSU and in communities across the state.
  • Danny Beckett Jr., Managing Partner, Beckett Industries, which operates at the intersection of venture capital and growth equity, providing transformational advice and growth capital to bootstrapped entrepreneurs in the CPG, Technology, and business services sectors. More than just investors, we actively partner with companies at every stage of growth, applying our expertise to ensure they scale effectively and achieve market success.

The panel will be moderated by Jennifer Wangler, VP of Technology at The Right Place, who will also provide an overview of Greater Grand Rapids Tech Strategy

Be part of this essential conversation to shape Michigan’s economic future! We look forward to seeing you! 

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Event Details: Lunch & Learn Presentation: Economic Innovation and Public Policy

Date: Wednesday, November 20th, 2024

Time: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.

Where: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Parking is free and accessible in both the main and over-flow lots.

Thank you for your interest. Due to popular demand, this event is full and is no longer accepting registrations.

November 20, 2024

Grand Rapids Area: Economic Innovation and Public Policy in Michigan

Using Public Policy to Spur New Tech Innovation/R&D in Michigan

Back by popular demand! Join Us for Conversation and Lunch on the West side of the State.

You are invited to join the Citizens Research Council of Michigan over lunch and a unique research presentation examining the economics of innovation and the critical role that public policy can play in incentivizing the research and development that drives the development of new technologies.

Economists agree that economic innovation and the productivity increases that it brings are the key drivers of long-term economic growth and higher standards of living.

Over lunch, senior Research Council analyst Robert Schneider will present findings from his recent report on the relationship between public policy and the economics of innovation technology. He will review state-level programs designed to provide financing and business support to potential start-ups and early-stage companies bringing new technologies and product innovations to market. The new report will examine the scope of innovation and entrepreneurship programs offered in Michigan and selected neighboring competitor states, comparing public investment levels across these states. He will also outline revenue resources that could be tapped to increase Michigan’s public investments in innovation and entrepreneurship programming.

Panel Discussion Featuring: 

  • Zachary Meyer, Partner-Grand Rapids, Varnum.  Assists clients in business law practices in the areas of corporate governance and structuring, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance, with significant experience working with startups and emerging companies and in the forestry products and manufacturing industries. Former Crain’s Grand Rapids Business 40 Under 40 and Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Health Care Law.
  • Janet Wyllie, Senior Program Manager, MSU Research Foundation, serves as the SmartZone Gateway Representative for Grand Rapids working with early-stage start-up companies throughout the region. MSU Research Foundation is focused on enhancing research, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, and facilitating economic growth at MSU and in communities across the state.
  • Danny Beckett Jr., Managing Partner, Beckett Industries, which operates at the intersection of venture capital and growth equity, providing transformational advice and growth capital to bootstrapped entrepreneurs in the CPG, Technology, and business services sectors. More than just investors, we actively partner with companies at every stage of growth, applying our expertise to ensure they scale effectively and achieve market success.

The panel will be moderated by Jennifer Wangler, VP of Technology at The Right Place, who will also provide an overview of Greater Grand Rapids Tech Strategy

Be part of this essential conversation to shape Michigan’s economic future! We look forward to seeing you! 

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Event Details: Lunch & Learn Presentation: Economic Innovation and Public Policy

Date: Wednesday, November 20th, 2024

Time: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.

Where: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Parking is free and accessible in both the main and over-flow lots.

There was a problem with your submission. Please review the fields below.


    Stay informed of new research published and other Citizens Research Council news.
    Array
    Back To Top