CreativeTech Cluster Strategy
Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP)
Economic Strategy
Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is the economic development organization representing the tri-county region of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties, in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Their work focuses on equitable development in new business, jobs, investment, and people. They create and support equitable development programs to unlock the local economy’s full potential.
Fourth Economy supported LEAP in creating a strategy and communication materials for the region’s emerging CreativeTech industry cluster.
Our Approach
The Fourth Economy team performed an independent analysis of the CreativeTech industry using open-sourced federal, state, local, and nonprofit data, providing a transparent view of the sector’s strengths and weaknesses within the region’s economy. Based on precedent, data availability, and factors relevant to the Lansing tri-county region, the industry was defined using NAICS codes across sectors.
We conducted Interviews and focus groups to gather in-depth insights from key stakeholders within the ecosystem. This holistic approach complemented the quantitative analysis by capturing the nuanced experiences, challenges, and opportunities faced by CreativeTech businesses, entrepreneurs, creative organizations, and other entities.
Results
The final deliverables were designed to define and educate a wide audience on the CreativeTech industry, with particular attention to business retention, expansion, and attraction. A technical report defining the CreativeTech cluster valuates the emerging industry with a focus on cluster growth potential and reflects the needs for high educational attainment, talent retention, ecosystem connectivity, and improved access to capital. Recommendations focus on aligning programs across school districts, external branding and marketing, and incorporating traditional economic development approaches to supporting the cluster. Calls to action center on ecosystem organization, capital raising, and program alignment. Measures of success, particularly at the student level, are also included. An informational two-pager was created to promote understanding of the cluster among partners and potential investors.
Location
Lansing, MI