Planning for the Future: Innovation happening today in Northern Nevada
What is it going to take to build true innovation in Nevada’s economy?
There’s certainly no easy answer to this question, but it’s helpful to refine our definition of “innovation.” This is not about turning Northern Nevada into the next Silicon Valley- no, we need home-grown, Nevada-style innovation. Innovation that draws from our natural infrastructure of snow-capped peaks, our high-desert environment and our quirky culture. I can think of no better example of home grown innovation, happening today, than Twelve Horses. Check out the Business Report of Northern Nevada’s profile on the company and its CEO, Dave LaPlante.
[UNR Business Dean Mike] Reed says, Twelve Horses is a homegrown example of the innovative kinds of businesses that Northern Nevada economic development officials are trying to lure to the region. Essentially, LaPlante is a classic member of the creative class, Reed says, referring to the demographic at the core of the book by Richard Florida. In “The Rise of the Creative Class,” the author says the prime movers are those who work in knowledge-intensive industries such as high-tech sectors, financial services, the legal and health care profession and business management. All of these are positions or pursuits that place a premium on knowledge, mental acumen and creative thought.