Designed to focus on what really makes innovation economies grow, the Washington Innovation Summit is the must-attend event for our state's innovation-driven business and economic development community. This day-long conference was designed to identify new, effective strategies that will promote high-impact job growth and provide a framework for Washington's work in technology-based economic development.

Through a combination of expert speakers and interactive panel discussions, the 2012 Washington Innovation Summit will explore how we can grow, retain, and attract top talent; increase the competitiveness of our innovative industries; and expand opportunities for our state's citizens.

Keynote Speaker

Robert D. Atkinson
President, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
Author, Innovation Economics: The Race for Global Advantage
Author, State New Economy Index

Robert Atkinson is the founder and president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a Washington, DC-based technology policy think tank. He has an extensive background in technology policy: he has conducted ground-breaking research projects on technology and innovation, is a valued adviser to state and national policy makers, and is a popular speaker on innovation policy nationally and internationally. Before establishing ITIF, Atkinson was Vice President of the Progressive Policy Institute and Director of PPI’s Technology & New Economy Project.

In 2011, Washingtonian Magazine named Atkinson a “Tech Titan." He is also among the top 25 "Doers, Dreamers and Drivers of Information Technology" identified by Government Technology Magazine and the Center for Digital Government.