VIRGINIA SECRETARY OF COMMERCE & TRADE

VIRGINIA'S ROLE IN THE INNOVATION ECONOMY

During the 2019 Legislative Session, two bills were considered that would have created a new authority or made several changes to an existing authority around funding and oversight of research commercialization, entrepreneurship, and innovation economic development initiatives in the Commonwealth. Although there was universal support for more efficient use of state resources, the legislature decided – due to concerns addressed by many affected stakeholders – to delay pending an effort led by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade to assess and recommend a legislative plan – statewide-backed and driven by a diverse workgroup of subject matter experts – to consolidate, restructure, and transition programs. This legislative proposal WILL be data driven. This survey will help catalog ideas from Virginian's who can and cannot attend the regional Town Hall series this spring/summer. Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your thoughts on the Commonwealth's role in the innovation economy.

1. How would you describe your main role in Virginia’s innovation ecosystem?

Please enter an 'other' value for this selection.

2. What type of 'Founder' are you?

Please enter an 'other' value for this selection.

2. Describe the industry of your current business:

2. In what year was your current business founded:

1980

2020

2. How many businesses have you started or co-founded? This question requires a valid number format.

2. Do you work in the private sector or do you work for a college, university, or other public sector agency?

2. What is the name of your institution or business?

2. Which of the following best describes your level of Investment?

Please enter an 'other' value for this selection.

2. When building your community, which of the following do you most associate yourself?

Please enter an 'other' value for this selection.

2. Describe your service:

The focus of this study is primarily focused on high growth (venture-backed, research/data/technology-driven) entrepreneurship, but your opinions and ideas are still wanted.

2. What aspects of the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem in Virginia do you find most appealing?

2. What do you think is the state’s role in the innovation economy (including but not limited to: commercialization of research and high-growth, venture-backed entrepreneurship)?

2. While starting your business you were probably exposed to many influences. Of all the influences - both positive and negative - which would you say was the most impactful to your personal growth or the growth of your business? Please be specific.

2. Throughout the various stages of your start-up, was there a missing 'influence' or gap that you felt could have been easily filled by the state? Please be specific and If not, say so.

2. From your business' formation to validation to growth (hopefully) what aspects of your local entrepreneurial ecosystem did you find most appealing for yourself or business? Did you seek advice, investment, or programming outside your local community? Please be specific.

2. How do you feel Virginia could improve the support and/or resources offered to your local entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem?

2. Let's end with the most important question as it relates directly to policy formation: what do you think is the state’s role in the innovation economy? If you've been following the past few years of the Virginia legislature's effort to address this question, this is your chance to register your idea/opinion. Please be specific.

2. What resource or influence would you say was the most impactful to the development of your research? Please be specific.

2. What was missing? What 'influence' or gap as it relates to research commercialization do feel could easily be filled by the state? Describe and if none, say so.

2. How do you feel Virginia could improve the support and resources offered to research commercialization?

2. Let's end with the most important question as it relates directly to policy formation: what do you think is the state’s role in the innovation economy? If you've been following the past few years of the Virginia legislature's effort to address commercialization of research, this is your chance to register your idea/opinion. Please be specific.

2. What aspects of the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem in Virginia do you find most appealing?

2. What was missing? What 'influence' or gap do feel could easily be filled by the state? Describe and if none, say so.

2. Let's end with the most important question as it relates directly to policy formation: what do you think is the state’s role in the innovation economy? If you've been following the past few years of the Virginia legislature's effort to address innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization of research, this is your chance to register your idea/opinion. Please be specific.

2. This August, we will be hosting several working groups on topics that are identified through this survey. Please let us know if you are interested in further contributing.

3. Contact Information

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Mobile Phone

DEMOGRAPHIC QUESTIONS ARE IMPORTANT TO A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME

Please know that we are asking demographic questions for a very important reason. It is vital to our process that we reach a diverse group of stakeholders, specifically race, gender, and age. The data is necessary for cross tabulation and these questions are not considered to be 'standard' or an afterthought, but very much a part of the overall success and action to follow. Your personal information (name, number, or email) will NOT be shared or sold. You are not required to complete this portion, but know if you do, you’ll be helping to ensure that ALL Virginian voices are heard during this process.

3. How would you describe yourself? *This question is required.

Please enter an 'other' value for this selection.

4. To which gender identity do you most identify? *This question is required.

Please enter an 'other' value for this selection.

5. What is your age? *This question is required.

Under 20

Over 65

Prefer not to say

6. City, Town, County you call home? *This question is required.