Kingston-Syracuse Partnership Strengthens Innovation Corridor Across Borders
Article Provided by CEO Centerstate News April 2022
CenterState CEO is leading efforts to align Central New York economic development opportunities with partners in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The Kingston-Syracuse Pathway Partnership is a cross border partnership that provides companies with innovative and easy solutions to help them grow into international markets. The effort aims to enhance connectivity and strengthen the regions’ unique economies by creating a collaborative and leading global innovation corridor.
The cities of Kingston and Syracuse share economic advantages and interests. Both are home to world-class academic and research institutions, innovation ecosystems in key market sectors, including health innovation, biotech and advanced manufacturing. The cities also enjoy close access to major economic hubs including Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and New York City.
“With our similar size, industries and close proximity, Kingston is a natural partner for Syracuse,” said Robert Simpson, president of CenterState CEO. “We are hopeful that this partnership — with its opportunities to build cross border collaboration in research and development, supplier networks and entrepreneurial ecosystems — can help businesses within Central New York expand to new markets. We look forward to building this relationship further, and the opportunities it will create.”
The collaboration will help facilitate market entry into the U.S. or Canada for entrepreneurs and innovators through the Soft-Landings Program. With world class institutions engaged in the initiative, it encourages cross-border strategic partnerships focused on strategic sectors, including health innovation. Partners include: Kingston Economic Development, Queen’s University, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, CenterState CEO, SUNY Upstate Medical University and SUNY’s Research Foundation and SUNY Upstate’s Central New York Biotech Accelerator.
To date, Syracuse businesses have benefited by taking advantages of some of the unique research centers at Queen’s University to improve their products. Additionally, a Kingston-based entrepreneurial firm has located in Central New York, and medical research meetings have been held to work on collaborative research proposals. Both communities have reached out to the other to identify supplier networks to support their local businesses.
Established in 2018, the Kingston-Syracuse Pathway is the fourth cross border collaboration in Canada between business, government, and academic leaders from both sides of the border. By facilitating formal cross-border collaboration on cutting edge research and development, unlocking new global markets for entrepreneurs, startups, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and improving connectivity between governments, the Kingston-Syracuse Pathway will maximize the competitive advantages of Kingston and Northern and Central New York state.
CenterState CEO members are invited to attend a summit being planned for June 7, in Kingston, to advance the partnership. For more information, contact David Mankiewicz, senior vice president, Research, Policy & Planning, or 315-470-1942.