Delaware’s tech ecosystem has Rodel to thank for making the Tech Council of Delaware possible. When it launched three years ago, it was created within the foundation.
Now that the incubation period is coming to an end, the Technology Council is separating itself as an independent nonprofit organization.
The move is part of a new strategy developed with the help of an outside consulting firm, Detroit-based Barthwell Group. This week, at the council’s second Technology Ecosystems Conference in Wilmington, that strategy was revealed.
It was based on focus group sessions, interviews, and an online survey conducted and shared with Barthwell, as well as background data and information from Rodel.
The changes won’t happen all at once, but starting July 1, the new strategic plan, complete with a new vision, mission and core focus areas and objectives, will be in place for the next three years.
A prosperous economy and equal career opportunities
The Tech Council’s new vision is: “Advocate for and maintain a strong, inclusive technology workforce in Delaware to ensure a thriving economy and equitable career opportunities for all Delawareans.”
The mandate will continue the Council’s work to support and improve development for an inclusive workforce. It will be driven by associations and members, who will mobilize to attract investment.
Its three main focus areas are:
- Development and mobility of technological talent
- Advocacy
- Development of professional networks.
Putting strategy into action
The Tech Council has set goals and objectives that it strives to achieve over the next year. These include continuing and expanding workforce development programs, seeking and applying for state and federal grants, hosting networking events, and helping employers connect with tech talent.
There is also an advocacy goal, which includes working with lawmakers to create policy and actively lobbying for laws affecting the tech industry.
“Our goal and our purpose is to be really clear about what we will defend and what we will not defend,” said Ali, the council’s executive director. “We will not advocate for policies or laws that harm any sector of the technology community.”
It is not enough to simply respond to potential existing legislation, he said. “Let’s be a proactive voice and work with legislators to express what we want to see.”
While the Tech Council is a member organization, Ali said the goal is not to drive membership, but to secure grants that have a real impact on the lives of Delawareans.
“We want to tell the stories of the people and lives we touch,” Ali said.
Some of that storytelling will be done through a new publication called Chronicle, a partnership with Technical.ly. The problems are available online and in print at Tech Council Events.
Companies: Delaware Technology Council
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