Rising Together: The Story of Chicago's Innovation Ecosystem

What is an innovation ecosystem? It is a blueprint for the city of the future. An environment that not only supports innovation, but makes it inevitable. Over the last twenty years, Chicago has seen a revolutionary change in business culture and success, largely in part to the formation of an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship. The city has become a top-ten global innovation hub, and leads the country in diversity of industry and foreign direct investment.

Rising Together: The Story of Chicago's Innovation Ecosystem shares the story of the people, organizations, and culture that led to this regional growth, as told through the lens of those who lived it.

Combining insights from over thirty industry leaders and founders playing outsized roles in its development, the authors weave together a narrative of the formation, growth, and potential future of the Chicago innovation ecosystem.

This book is a must-read for anyone in search of ways to build or grow a community fueled by collaboration, growth, and innovation. Learn firsthand:

-- Which shared values can inspire an entire city to innovate: The C.H.I.C.A.G.O. Way

-- How collaboration across industry and sector breeds innovation

-- Why individuals play a critical role in leading and inspiring a region-wide movement

The lessons learned from understanding ways the ecosystem formed, collaborates and thrives serve as principles for how any innovator or entrepreneur can develop a culture and mindset of innovation for their organization, institution or region.

Rising Together: The Story of Chicago's Innovation Ecosystem is a collaborative effort written by members of the Chicago Innovation team, leveraging insights from groundbreaking leaders across the city.
Now in its nineteenth year, Chicago Innovation empowers the Chicago innovation ecosystem by educating, connecting and celebrating innovators and entrepreneurs through a year-long series of events, programs, and services. The organization's vision is to solidify the Chicago region as a global leader in innovation and ensure that innovation is for everyone.

The authors include:
Thomas D. Kuczmarski, President and Founder of the global consulting firm Kuczmarski Innovation and an internationally recognized expert in the innovation of new products and services. He is also the co-founder of Chicago Innovation. Tom is a longtime professor at Northwestern University s Kellogg School of Management and has published eight books on innovation and leadership. He is the chairman of the Chicago Innovation Board, a trustee on the Retirement Research Foundation Board, a board member of the Chicago Inventors Organization, and a member of the Economic Club of Chicago, Executives Club of Chicago, and Commercial Club of Chicago.

Luke Tanen, Executive Director of Chicago Innovation. Focused on driving growth at the organization, he oversees the recruitment of sponsors and fundraising activities, provides counsel on events and programs, and manages the Chicago Innovation Awards nomination process. Luke is also the co-author of Innovating Chicago Style: How Local Innovators Are Building the National Economy. Luke received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and his MBA from Northwestern s Kellogg School of Management. He is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago, Executives Club of Chicago, and was previously selected to Crain's 20 in their 20s.

Paul Kitti, Events Director for Chicago Innovation. He oversees the planning and execution of Chicago Innovation events, which attracts over seven thousand attendees annually and includes the largest annual celebration of innovation in the Midwest, The Chicago Innovation Awards. Paul was previously in the startup trenches at Red Frog Events, where he helped conceptualize and execute national brands including Warrior Dash and Firefly Music Festival. Previously, Paul worked as an entertainment journalist in Ann Arbor and Detroit. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan.

Jacob Sherman, Head of Public Relations and External Affairs for Chicago Innovation. He is responsible for sharing the stories of Chicago s innovators and their impact on the region. He is also a Senior Associate for Kuczmarski Innovation, where he has worked with clients across industries to develop multiple portfolios of new offerings valued at over $400M in cumulative three-year revenues. Jacob is the Editor for Book Ends Publishing, where his work includes the award-winning Lifting People Up: The Power of Recognition (2018). He also sits on the Board of Directors for The London Idea. Jacob received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Avery Stone Fish, Program Manager for Ageless Innovators, Chicago's first inter-generational co-mentoring program and community built intentionally to value diversity of perspective, and Program Manager for the Corporate Startup Matchmaking program. Avery is also a Senior Associate for Kuczmarski Innovation, where he trains executives on how to develop innovation portfolios. He serves on the Bridging Generations Board for The Village Chicago, the Associates Board for JCFS, and the Young Professionals Board for P33. Avery received his undergraduate undergraduate degree at Northwestern University.