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Storytelling + Data�For Ecosystems

Super Connect // 9.25.2024

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Storytelling

We often mean

We should mean

Getting my message out.

Using fact-finding and people stories to help a community identify the closest approximation of its truth.

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How Technical.ly�evaluates an ecosystem

  • Make it easier to invent
  • Make it easier to commercialize
  • Make it easier to develop
  • Make it easier to live
  • Make sure anyone knows it’s happening

Category

Component

Invention �(Research)

Research Community

Advanced Research

Tech Transfer

Commercialization �(Business Formation)

Entrepreneurship Community

Ease of Business

Access to Capital + Services

Development �(Talent)

Technologist Community

Workforce programs

Large Employers

Lifestyle�(Livability)

Cost of Living

Live/Work/Play Amenities

Population Growth

Reputation�(Brand)

What Insiders Say

What Locals Say

What Others Say

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Innovation economy �focus is growing

ESO in 2023 but not 2013

ESO in 2013 and 2023

Every U.S. state now has at least one entrepreneur and/or tech workforce focused organization. In 2013, we counted fewer than 15.

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Storytelling is lagging

Technical.ly

Active dedicated storytelling resource

Every U.S. state now has at least one entrepreneur and/or tech workforce focused organization. In 2013, we counted fewer than 15.

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How orgs evolve their �storytelling

We share new stuff about us to our existing stakeholders

We promote news & info about our ecosystem to new audiences

We learn about our region to promote the good stuff

We learn to identify what to improve and what to promote

“Let’s start a podcast!”

“We need better data!”

“We can’t control the narrative forever.”

“When is the newsletter going out?”

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Tech associations, startup accelerators and coding bootcamps have professionalized. Storytelling must too.�

You can’t compete in the game and call the play-by-play at the same time.

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How should ‘storytelling’ �work?

Data Analysis

  • Data gathering
  • Visualizations
  • Trend writing + reports

Listen to People

  • Events
  • Surveys
  • Focus groups

Document and Distribute

  • Social + Multimedia
  • Newsletter + Articles
  • Marketing strategies

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What does ‘storytelling’ even mean?

  • documenting People’s Experiences backed by data
  • fact-checking for Truth and Accuracy
  • demonstrating Transparency and Independence
  • developing a Fixed Record and
  • ensuring Timeliness

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Our Innovation �Ecosystem Map

  • National map of regions telling their innovation story
  • Our Innovation Index (workforce + startup data)
  • Working with econ dev orgs on storytelling

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Innovation Ecosystem Stack for EconDev

Stage

Ecosystem Provider

How data analysis and storytelling supports

Attraction + Amplification

Destination Marketing

Exchange local stories for best practices from elsewhere

Biz Attraction + Site Selection

Talent Attraction + Retention

Community + Identity

Resource Guides & Directories

Shape local narratives and highlight local resources

Membership Groups & Associations

Events & Meetups

Support Invention, Entrepreneurs + Workforce

Workforce Development

Make connections between locals and resources

Entrepreneur Support Orgs

Research & Development

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Mac’s story

  • At 24, his social-gifting startup taught him the ropes, but cost him a fiancee
  • “I’m stupid enough to do it again,” he told Technical.ly
  • Started a second company
  • Then 4+ years at TEDCO
  • Launched his own fund

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Our Session

  • Charlotte Clark, Impact Baltimore
  • Ben Ihde, Minneapolis-St. Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership
  • Chris Bunner, Upsurge Baltimore
  • Chris Wink, Technical.ly

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