North Raleigh Today

A new report designed to support North Carolina-based technology coalitions was published today by the N.C. Board of Science, Technology, and Innovation. The "N.C. Coalitions Strategic Support and Resource Guide" draws from successful coalition experiences within the state and offers guidance on optimizing organizational structures, funding strategies, and attracting both federal and private investments to stimulate economic growth. This publication was supported by N.C. Commerce’s Office of Science, Technology, and Innovation (OSTI).

Technology coalitions, also known as hubs or clusters, are vital for pooling resources and expertise from industry, academia, and not-for-profit members to achieve common goals. These mature coalitions are positioned to create significant economic impacts.

“The outstanding universities and technology companies across North Carolina make us a national leader in innovation and technology,” stated N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Helping these organizations form technology-driven coalitions is critical to positioning NC for more partnerships.”

Recent federal investments have advanced North Carolina's technological landscape significantly over the past two years. For instance, a textile technology coalition led by Industrial Commons received recognition from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) as a Regional Innovation Engine with potential funding up to $160 million over ten years.

Additionally, the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine received an NSF award for their Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine project.

These achievements were facilitated by strong industry relationships through public-private partnerships that unite various sectors around shared missions.

The guide provides insights from these partnerships alongside other successful models across North Carolina to recommend strategies for short- and long-term growth while strengthening regional industries.

Funding for this guide came from the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management’s State Technical Assistance and Match Program (STAMP), which supports technical assistance initiatives like those under the CHIPS & Science Act.

"OSBM is excited to enhance OSTI's capacity," said OSBM Federal Funds Analyst Jonathan Meyer. "This resource will activate transformative investment under the CHIPS & Science Act."