Governor Phil Murphy launched the first meeting of the Strategic Innovation Center Advisory Council (SIC-AC) at Prudential Plaza in Newark. The council is designed to support New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem by bringing together stakeholders from academia, industry, and government. The initiative is led by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).
“From technology to life sciences and manufacturing, New Jersey is once again leading the way in innovation. The Strategic Innovation Center Advisory Council will serve as a national model for cultivating a welcoming environment for entrepreneurs and keep the state ahead of the curve as market trends shift,” said Governor Murphy. “By bringing together the public and private sector, this unique collaboration will strengthen our innovation ecosystem, helping bring new technologies to the marketplace and create good-paying jobs for our residents.”
Strategic Innovation Centers (SICs) are facilities that provide support for research, development, and entrepreneurship through mentorship, networking, training, business services, and educational opportunities. These centers include accelerators, incubators, and research hubs. There are currently 12 SICs announced across New Jersey.
“Throughout his tenure, Governor Murphy has made major investments to bolster innovation across the state, helping create jobs and strengthen our economy,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Strategic Innovation Centers are supporting the state’s startup community, ensuring that entrepreneurs have access to capital and opportunities for meaningful collaboration with industry stakeholders. Launching the advisory council today confirms the State’s commitment to growing our innovation ecosystem and the expertise and guidance of its members will help enhance our economic competitiveness.”
The SIC-AC’s goal is to make New Jersey a national example of sustainable economic growth in the innovation sector by fostering job creation, supporting new companies and technologies, and promoting long-term competitiveness. The council will work closely with NJEDA staff to bridge private, public, and academic sectors, aiming to maximize the benefits of collaborative partnerships in the state’s innovation landscape.
Council members will act as advocates for New Jersey’s innovation community by providing guidance on market trends, evaluating program impacts, leading communication strategies, and promoting the achievements of SICs and NJEDA innovation programs.
Steve Van Kuiken, Senior Partner Emeritus at McKinsey & Company, will chair the council. Ex-Officio members include the NJEDA CEO, Chief Economic Transformation Officer, and the Secretary of Higher Education. Additional members come from various sectors within New Jersey’s innovation community.
“I’m extremely impressed with the progress made to date on establishing a robust ecosystem of SICs across the State,” said Van Kuiken. “The SICs will be an engine of economic growth for the State for years to come, and the Advisory Council is well positioned to help them achieve that goal.”
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority is responsible for driving economic growth in the state by building strong communities, creating jobs, and implementing initiatives aimed at improving New Jersey’s economic vitality.
