Innovate Alabama 2021 Report
When Governor Kay Ivey established the Alabama Innovation Commission in July 2020, the goal was simple:
Elevate Alabama by creating a more resilient, inclusive and robust economy through innovation.
The Alabama Innovation Commission’s work culminated in the development of this report, outlining policy recommendations that Innovate Alabama can deploy in the coming years to support entrepreneurship and technology growth.
As Innovate Alabama moves into this next chapter, one thing remains clear: Alabama has what it takes to be a leader in innovation.
Take a look at where we’ve been and what’s to come, and help us celebrate our achievements as we work together to grow Alabama’s innovation ecosystem.
Join us as we innovate Alabama.
Recommendations
Through partnerships and collaboration, research and exploration, and discussions and debate, the Alabama Innovation Commission developed policy recommendations to promote innovation in the state. The commission concentrated its research and efforts in the following areas:
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Entrepreneurship and Access to Capital Identifying and supporting opportunities to fuel entrepreneurial development at every stage of business growth Read more |
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Talent Attraction and Retention Recruiting and retaining a workforce with the skills, knowledge and credentials necessary to create innovation ecosystems throughout the state Read more |
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Increasing Commercialization Fostering an environment that increases commercialization activities and R&D efforts, and supports the state’s economy as a whole Read more |
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Bridging Digital and Economic Divides Leveraging initiatives and resources that support growth throughout Alabama Read more |
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Knowledge Economy Developing a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the future Read more |
A focus on these areas of opportunity will help foster entrepreneurship, create jobs, build a talented and diverse workforce, and support economic development opportunities. As we move from imagination to implementation, we each have a role to play to support our policy recommendations and bring our goals to fruition.
Hoover Institution
In 2020, the Alabama Innovation Commission launched a partnership with the Hoover Institution to examine the innovation ecosystem in Alabama and provide actionable policy recommendations to guide Alabama’s leaders as they work to realize the state’s full economic potential.
Learn more about how Alabama can reach this potential and create a more prosperous future for all Alabamians.
The History of Innovate Alabama
The Alabama Innovation Commission delivered its final report to Gov. Kay Ivey on Nov. 1, 2021, passing the baton over to Innovate Alabama. The Innovate Alabama Board of Directors was appointed in December 2021 to implement the initiatives and recommendations set forth in the commission’s report, including forward-thinking policies that will create a more resilient, inclusive and robust economy to remain competitive in a 21st-century world. Innovate Alabama is led by CEO Cynthia M. Crutchfield and a board of 11 innovation leaders appointed by Gov. Ivey. It is Alabama’s first statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation with a mission to help innovators grow roots.
Thank you to the Alabama Innovation Commission for your service.

Bill Poole
Alabama State Finance Director
(chairman)

Greg Reed
Alabama Senate President Pro Tempore
(vice chairman)

Miller Girvin
Executive Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Economic Development Partnership of Alabama
(finance & infrastructure subcommittee leader)

Charisse Stokes
Executive Director, TechMGM
(education & corporate subcommittee leader)

Scott Adams
Executive Vice President of Corporate Responsibility, Strategy & Innovation, Protective Life

Greg Barker
President, Economic Development Partnership of Alabama

Lindsay Rane Carter
Associate General Counsel, Great Southern Wood Preserving

Rick Clementz
Entrepreneur

Jeremy Gray
State Representative

Abe Harper
CEO, Harper Technologies

Shegun Otulana
Founder, TheraNest

Peggy Sammon
CEO, GeneCapture, Inc.

Malika Sanders-Fortier
State Senator

Arndt Siepmann
Deputy Director of Economic Development, City of Auburn

Neill Wright
President, Bronze Valley