Interview with the Chief Innovation Officer of Louisiana Economic Development, Josh Fleig
Louisiana Economic Development Embraces Innovation to Boost Economy
In a significant move to drive economic growth, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) has appointed Josh Fleig as its Chief Innovation Officer. With a diverse background in design thinking, technology, and education, Fleig is poised to lead the state's innovation charge [1].
Fleig's role at LED involves supporting startups, commercializing research, shaping forward-thinking policy, and promoting Louisiana as an innovation leader [2]. He is working tirelessly to strengthen the startup ecosystem by providing better access to coaching, capital, and customers [3].
One of the key challenges faced by Fleig and the LED team is changing the perception that Louisiana is only about legacy industries like oil, gas, agriculture, and tourism. To overcome this, they have highlighted real wins, such as companies investing in energy innovation, startups growing in Louisiana, and higher education institutions commercializing research [4].
The LED's efforts in innovation are evident in projects like H2theFuture and Louisiana State University's Future Use of Energy in Louisiana program (FUEL) [6]. These initiatives aim to promote sustainable energy solutions, a crucial step towards a future-focused economy.
Moreover, the LED has crafted an incentive for AI and technology companies to establish themselves in Louisiana, which led to Meta's AI hyperscale data center in Northeast Louisiana [5]. This move further cements Louisiana's position as a national tech hub.
The LED, under the new administration, has created a focus on innovation. The organisation has realigned its department to move at the speed of business, removing bureaucratic barriers to speed [3].
The LED's future goals reflect a commitment to building a future-focused, innovation-driven economy. They aim to tell Louisiana's story better on a national stage to attract talent, investment, and partnerships [5]. By leveraging its legacy industries as a foundation for innovation, particularly in areas like petrochemicals, battery technology, hydrogen, and carbon capture, Louisiana is well on its way to becoming a leader in technological advancement.
In conclusion, Fleig's expertise in design thinking, tech, entrepreneurship, and economic development, combined with the LED's focus on innovation, positions Louisiana to make significant strides in the tech industry and boost its economy.
Sources: [1] LED - https://www.led.la/ [2] LA.IO - https://www.la.io/ [3] NOLA.com - https://www.nola.com/ [4] The Advocate - https://www.theadvocate.com/ [5] Baton Rouge Business Report - https://www.bizjournals.com/ [6] LSU - https://www.lsu.edu/
In line with Louisiana Economic Development's (LED) focus on innovation, Josh Fleig's role as Chief Innovation Officer emphasizes fostering the startup ecosystem by facilitating access to coaching, capital, and customers. By leveraging technology and his background in education and self-development, Fleig aims to revolutionize Louisiana's economy, diverging from its legacy industries and transforming the state into a leader within the start-up ecosystem and technology sector.
