Insights

A day after unveiling his state budget, Governor Kasich and select members of his cabinet discussed how the budget’s proposals will drive innovation in Ohio. Dayton-area technology leaders and economic development officials were also in attendance.

Governor Kasich described Ohio’s progression from the ‘rust belt’ to ‘knowledge belt,’ while outlining initiatives set forth in the new budget that will promote technology creation, as well as harnessing underutilized technologies, for the advancement of the state. Points of emphasis included the importance of Dayton, OH’s place as a primary contributor to aerospace and transportation innovation, a commitment to leveraging digital storage and knowledge-sharing capabilities, employing data-driven decision making, and ensuring that technology reaches those especially vulnerable citizens who would benefit from it the most.

Riverside Research President and CEO, Dr. Steven Omick preceded Governor Kasich’s address with an overview of the company’s contributions to Ohio’s status as a tech-hub. The Open Innovation Center and plasma vacuum chamber were highlighted as particularly prominent investments that will continue to provide technological dividends for years to come. The Governor confirmed Riverside Research’s significance to the city of Dayton and the state of Ohio, urging the audience, “Please, don’t miss the technology here. This drive towards technology, towards innovation, towards excitement, towards employment, towards changing the very face of the great state of Ohio, is really where we want to be.”