How Community Colleges Can Power Regional Innovation

Community colleges are stepping into a new role as engines of regional innovation. As technologies like AI, automation and advanced manufacturing transform local industries, colleges can strengthen economic resilience by connecting education, entrepreneurship and workforce development.

The College of DuPage’s partnership with Innovation DuPage shows how open innovation—sharing expertise, facilities and real‑world challenges between colleges and businesses—creates a reciprocal system that benefits students, entrepreneurs and the regional economy. Through applied learning, startup support, industry collaboration and shared problem‑solving, community colleges can help shape economic growth while preparing students for emerging opportunities.

Read the full article to explore how open innovation can redefine the community college mission and build stronger, more adaptable regional economies.