Resource:How to build a space and culture that encourages innovation

Understand campus culture

First and foremost, it is essential to understand your campus culture and the attitude towards entrepreneurship and innovation. What resources are currently on your campus? Is an innovation space needed? Do students want (and would they actually use) such a space? If it is determined that there is a student need for the space, then the next steps can be taken to help make it a reality. 

Recruit help

Once a need for an innovation space has been identified, it is essential to form a support system around the idea. Start by pitching the idea to your advisor or another faculty member, then move throughout the ranks of your university to gain momentum. 

An example might look like this:  Advisor > Department Chair > Dean of Engineering College & Dean of Business School > VP of Economic Development > VP of Research

When in meetings with university leaders, it is important to clearly state the purpose of the space and specifically how they can help. This can include information about the necessary funding and the types of roles they can play as a university leader once the space is created. Creating a business plan or a business canvas for these meetings can also be very beneficial.

Operations and logistics of the space

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