In order to build an innovative community, we need to first determine what enables innovation to blossom, and what are the barriers to innovation. A good system of recognition and reward encourages innovation. A lack of venture resources discourages innovation. Enabling and promoting student ownership of their own education and opening up more curricular options for seniors would help innovation. Expand leadership education and the practice of good leadership.
Leadership is all about influencing the affairs of the world.
We want all our students to understand leadership, improve their leadership skills and be committed to exercising leadership. The College needs to promote the behavior of leading and recruit, hire, and empower those who would innovate, thereby serving the mission. A culture of innovation can be enhanced by open communication among the stakeholders, i.e., students, faculty, staff, regents, and alumni. A culture of stakeholder ownership is more conducive to innovation than a culture of mere endorsement. For example, students should not just be endorsing a course syllabus, they need to own it.