You combine Canadian $ interest in Minnesota commercial real estate with clean economy R & D projects sponsored by the University of Minnesota with a and a regional partnership looking for attract economic development and create jobs? Triple bottom line potential. All we need is to put them in the same room and say, ’hey Region: want jobs? Get the 19 Fortune 500 local companies behind the ramp-up of clean economy concept to turn this into a clean economy hub.’ Then say ‘hey U of M: give attractive $ deals to corporations to take R & D to market and scholarships to the brain trust that brings more IP to U of MN. Then say, ‘hey Canada, what value add real estate deals in a state you already believe in? Yeah, they are more risk but with lease guaranties, or similar credit enhancements from State and private entities, the shared risk puts collective skin in the game and the result will accelerate the success for all of us. To simple? Missing some big pieces? Maybe. But it starts with collaboration. No one segment can get it done alone.
flikr photo cred: ifmuth
