The first annual Summit on Information Technology kicked off with a rousing start with remarks from Governor Haley to the more than 280 business leaders gathered from across the state. Hosted by IT-oLogy, in partnership with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the Summit focused on how information technology (IT) is driving innovation and impacting job creation and growth across all sectors of our state’s economy.
Matt Gardner, Senior Fellow for Innovation at the Bay Area Council Economic Institute discussed the landmark study, Technology Works. “South Carolina has four distinct communities in the top 15 for growth in information technology since 2006. This is not as a result of an explosion in start ups but more likely major employers have added to their IT infrastructure,” said Gardner. “The top line is that these South Carolina communities are really doing well with more than 20% growth.”
From the macro to the micro –Regional Impact and Issues
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, representatives from South Carolina’s regions followed the keynote by presenting facts and data about their local start up scene, workforce development, economic impact of IT in their area and trends.
The afternoon “Think Tank” sessions focused on industry verticals including banking, professional services, healthcare and innovation/entrepreneurship. Reports from these sessions will be made available in the coming months.
“This summit is a first step in a process to help keep South Carolina competitive,” said Todd Lewis, executive director IT-oLogy Columbia. “Our hope is this will be an annual event that will keep the conversation going.”
To see more photos from the Summit on IT, click here to visit IT-oLogy’s Flickr page.