The KC Design + Construct Task Force has begun to meet regularly and is on an accelerated path toward a global brand and positioning campaign for KC’s design, construction, architecture and engineering industry. The group is identifying common challenges and opportunities to work together on solutions through a branding strategy, advising on current and future workforce needs, initiating industry association outreach to engage smaller firms and provide access to global markets, and connecting to the Global Cities Initiative.
Attention also has been focused on defining the KC area’s unique asset clusters and areas of expertise including sports architecture, sustainable design and construction, and power plant and transportation infrastructure design and construction. The group also has identified as regional strengths its diverse workforce and the presence of significant legacy companies.
The Life Sciences industry growth effort is occurring in collaboration with the Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute (KCALSI) and the KC Animal Health Corridor. The effort has engaged eight work groups focused on implementation of the strategic plan for the life sciences that was unveiled in late 2015. The importance of the human and animal nexus in the Kansas City region was highlighted at the August 28-29 KCALSI Symposium which focused on the opportunity to accelerate human health applications by developing them in animals with naturally occurring diseases. These nexus opportunities are also being emphasized in a new KCALSI collaboration program called “Collaborate2Cure” launching on September 29.
The Global Cities Initiative publicly launched the KC region’s first export plan on April 7, 2016. The plan identifies four strategies aimed at adding 100 new exporters over the next five years: (1) implementation of the Export Concierge program at the World Trade Center; (2) collaboration with regional economic development agencies to identify export-ready employers; (3) growth of exports from small and mid-size businesses; and, the creation of an Entrepreneurs Go Global program. Export data for the KC region is now available on the Global Cities (GCI) website, and you can follow #GoGlobalKC on Twitter.
Smart Transportation | Kinetic is working to elevate awareness and energy around new technology shaping how we plan, deliver and develop transportation strategies in the KC region. The group, led by the Mid-America Regional Council, the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, and MRIGlobal Research Institute, is exploring challenges and opportunities for positioning the KC region as a national leader in transportation solutions, building on our legacy of leadership and innovation. A wide range of activities, events and discussions are helping regional transportation leaders, public officials and the community understand emerging technologies and learn about financing public infrastructure. The organizers plan to utilize scenario planning, policy workshops, and crowd sourced planning to identify opportunities for the region, similar to the City of Kansas City, Missouri’s Smart Transportation initiative and the State of Missouri’s Road to Tomorrow plan. The next Kinetic event will be at 9:30 a.m., October 6, at the Kauffman Foundation, 4801 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, Missouri.