The term "innovation" is used to describe many things - a product, an idea, or even a place. I've tried over the years to find another word to use instead. Its an interesting challenge. Synonyms such as change, revolution, metamorphosis, novelty are suggested by the thesaurus. I'm sure you will agree that none fit quite right. Hence why I think the term innovation is overused.
Instead for variety (and clarity) I resort to describing what goes into "innovation" such as creativity, unique ideas and even in the technology world - insights gained from combinations of data. It is also worth remembering that even the most creative idea or clever method won't be successful without hard work. We are fortunate to have all of these in abundance in the St. Pete Innovation District. Kudos to everyone featured in this issue of the newsletter.
Enjoy!
Alison Barlow
Executive Director
(This article was first featured in our August newsletter - to subscribe to our monthly newsletter click here)
Over the last few months I have used this space in the newsletter to create a picture of what it takes to foster innovation. November 2023 newsletter: Innovation is a team sport. It requires diverse perspectives and experiences to find a creative solutions. It requires courage to try things out and be willing to learn what won’t work as much as what will work. It requires tenacity to keep going and going and going.
Thank you to Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital (JHACH) for sponsoring and hosting our inaugural Morning Sparks: Innovation X-change breakfast. The event was kicked off by Alicia Schulhof, President of JHACH, and followed by an overview of the topic - Artificial Intelligence - by Dr. John Licato of USF's Advanced Machine and Human Reasoning Lab.
Kudos to the Volunteers of America Florida, City of St. Petersburg, and Pinellas County for the recent opening of the new downtown apartments, located in the Innovation District called Innovare. Innovare’s 50 apartments provide stable homes for individuals and families who earn 60 percent or less of the Area’s Median Income (AMI), including many who are transitioning from homelessness.