Rural Innovation Network

The Rural Innovation Network is a growing consortium of small towns engaged in building digital economy ecosystems. It functions as a community of practice supporting capacity building, linking innovation hubs, and enabling communities to make connections to new sources of capital and national technology leaders.

Geographic Scope

• Operating in 18 states
• Covers all 4 time zones
• Nationwide network of rural communities

Services and Support

• Community of practice support
• Capacity building assistance
• Links between innovation hubs
• Connections to new sources of capital
• Network expansion with national technology leaders
• Digital economy job opportunities for remote workers
• Training residents in digital skills
• Support for tech-enabled startups

Membership

• Communities that have completed or are participating in Rural Innovation Initiative
• Growing consortium of small towns
• Inclusive of traditionally underrepresented minorities and women in digital economy development

Focus Areas

• Training residents in digital skills
• Employing them in new economy jobs
• Empowering residents to launch startups
• Building sustainable digital economy ecosystems
• Ensuring inclusive participation

Contact

• Center on Rural Innovation (CORI)

Background

Created through funding from Siegel Family Endowment in 2019-2020 period to expand CORI's footprint and provide ongoing support to Rural Innovation Initiative communities. The network works to strengthen rural communities through digital economic advancement.