Title of Effective Practice: - California Postsecondary Education ...

Direct Connection to Policy Area 1 of The Illinois Commitment
Peoria NEXT
Bradley University
What issue or need is addressed by the effective practice?
The Central Illinois region must revitalize and grow the current economy as an increasing proportion of heavy
manufacturing moves off-shore. This revitalization is finding its basis in the growth of the new knowledge economy
and the start-up and growth of technology businesses. The PeoriaNEXT initiative focuses on promoting this
revitalization by supporting activities to attract and grow new technology and knowledge based businesses in Central
Illinois; this effort includes establishment of a $12,000,000 innovation or incubation center in which to foster these
businesses.
Description of the effective practice:
Bradley University has a major role in the not for profit organization operating under the trademark of PeoriaNEXT
(PN, www.peorianext.com). Focused on growing a knowledge based economy based on science and technology in
the greater Peoria region, PN includes within its membership Bradley University, Caterpillar Inc., OSF-St. Francis
and Methodist Hospitals, Illinois Central College, the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, the USDA
National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, National City Bank, Peoria Public Schools, the Heartland
Partnership, the Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation and others.
The mission of Peoria Next is: "Through collaboration and creativity, Peoria NEXT will facilitate Discovery,
Innovation and Commercialization of new technologies for economic development." By the model shown below. Its
vision is "By 2015 our regional economy will be more diversified and be a desired location for new technology-based
businesses." In addition to its research and commercialization efforts, Peoria NEXT focuses on workforce
development.
The economic base in the region has grown slowly over the last decade based on the growth of a few large
corporations such as Caterpillar Inc., Archer Daniels Midland, and State Farm Insurance, however, the overall growth
and movement of new knowledge-based technology business into the area has been stagnant. To turn this trend in
another direction, business leaders, educators and community leaders must become responsible and lead the way to
engage the rich resources in the region in science and engineering in a proactive approach. This is now occurring
through PeoriaNEXT and Bradley University has assumed a significant role in facilitating this change. Dr. David
Broski, President Bradley University is President of PeoriaNEXT and a member of the Board of Directors and Dr.
Robert Bolla, Associate Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate School chairs the Discovery Action Team of
Peoria NEXT and serves on the Executive Board of PeoriaNEXT. Dr. Bolla is responsible for the seed grant
program of PN to support entrepreneurs in funding the initial stages of their research leading either to additional
extramural funding or directly to the beginning phase of commercialization. In addition Bradley University HITEC
(Heartland Illinois Technology Enterprise Center) has a significant role in promoting an educational/business
application forum for entrepreneurs, NEXT STEPS, and preparing businesses for presentation to the Illinois Business
Investor's Forum whose outcome relate to the PN mission and vision. HITEC also is involved in technology transfer
to support business start-up as well as assisting these businesses in acquisition of early round angel and venture
funding. HITEC was involved in 21 new venture start-ups, obtaining for these in excess of $11 million.
There is a clear need for economic development in the greater Peoria region and with PeoriaNEXT as a promoting
entity we are gathering the resources to continue on the beginnings of a positive path. With input and oversight of
PeoriaNEXT, the Heartland Partnership is facilitating the construction of a $12,000,000 early stage technology
business start-up innovation center. This center will be completed and open in Spring 2007. Bradley and Caterpillar
are partnering to add space to this center to be used as an educational/research facility for collaboration on finding
solutions to problems faced by Caterpillar and other companies related to their business planning and growth.
Bradley University is completing a third year of a Partnership for Innovation grant project awarded from NSF to a
collaborative of Bradley University and the partners within Peoria NEXT. This project has a significant component
supporting academic preparation of K-12 students and supporting enhanced teaching skills in the areas of science and
engineering technology for secondary teachers. Additionally funding from this effort has been used to address
intellectual property issues arising from collaborative research and development projects fostered by and involving
partners from Peoria NEXT. Finally funding from this project has promoted formation of education, science, and
research ethics knowledge communities.
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