The Emergence of an Innovation Cluster in the Agricultural Value Chain along Colorado’s Front Range

By Gregory D. Graff, Annabelle Berklund, and Kathay Rennels

Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics and the Office of Engagement, Colorado State University, November 2014.

Colorado has long embraced agriculture as central to its economy and innovation as an essential driver of economic growth. This study proposes that a number of geographic, demographic, and economic factors are driving investment and engagement in innovation in the agricultural and food system, and that the essential elements are in place along Colorado’s Front Range for the emergence and growth of an innovation-led industry cluster in agriculture and food.

Drawing upon a landscape analysis of innovation data, this study empirically derives the geographic footprint of this emergent innovation cluster and provides an inventory of Colorado companies and organizations actively innovating in a dozen interrelated technology categories. It closes by discussing next steps for cultivating growth of this innovation cluster, to bring it to a level of maturity and dynamism such that Colorado is recognized globally for creating next-generation technologies and business models that nourish, refresh, and energize the world.

• Colorado Ag Innovation Cluster: Full Report
• Colorado Ag Innovation Cluster: Executive Summary
• News release: The forefront of agriculture and food innovation

Advancing the Agriculture Economy Through Innovation

The Ag Innovation Summit connects food, innovation and problem-solving. If you eat, you are a part of agriculture. That theme was echoed at the inaugural “Advancing the Agriculture Economy Through Innovation” summit held at the Lory Student Center, March 18-20. Read more about the summit.

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Related:

• Advancing the Agriculture Economy Through Innovation Summit

 

Contacts

Kathay Rennels kathay.rennels@colostate.edu (970) 491-7304	Dr. Gregory Graff gregory.graff@colostate.edu (970) 491-4028
Paula Mills   paula.mills@colostate.edu (970) 491-3883	Jim Beers jim.beers@colostate.edu (970) 491-2332

 

This project was made possible by support from the CSU System Venture Capital Fund.