Vanderbilt University Innovation Ecosystem & Cluster Analysis
Vanderbilt University
HR&A conducted a comprehensive industry and workforce analysis of the Nashville area for Vanderbilt University to inform investments in innovation initiatives across Nashville. Our data analysis identified high-potential growth sectors and existing regional assets in terms of their ability to generate innovation and provide high-paying jobs. This work informed physical planning efforts for the future Anchor Park Innovation District and Vanderbilt’s contributions to Nashville Innovation Alliance.
As a major research institution with strengths across engineering, medicine, mobility, and other high-impact disciplines, Vanderbilt required strategic analysis to determine which disciplines had the greatest potential to attract private sector collaboration, investment and ultimately, commercialization. This analysis informed Vanderbilt’s investments in innovation infrastructure and programming and identified opportunities to be responsive to the larger context of Nashville’s recent explosive growth.
Our analysis was instrumental in defining Vanderbilt’s role in creating the Nashville Innovation Alliance and informed critical planning decisions for the university’s real estate development initiatives. Collectively, this work has positioned Vanderbilt to make significant investments that will maximize both the university’s impact and Nashville’s competitive advantage in attracting and retaining innovative companies and talent.
- Vanderbilt plays a pivotal role in Nashville’s transformation to an innovation powerhouse — Los Angeles Daily News
