Governors State University
Fostering Supply Chain and Logistics Innovation in Chicago Southland
University Park, IL
Venture Challenge
Federal Share: $578,884
Local Match: $579,146
Chicago’s southland, a region including approximately 40 municipalities in Will and Cook Counties, has become a supply chain and logistics hub in recent years. Employment in the transportation and warehouse industry has grown significantly in the past 15 years and is expected to continue growing in the future. The supply chain and logistics sector has been identified as economic growth engine in this region by both the state of Illinois and South Suburban Economic Growth Initiative, a consortium of public agencies, private industry members, and educational partners with a mission to re-establish Chicago’s southland as an economic powerhouse.
This leading role in Transportation, Distribution and Logistics (TDL) in the Chicago Southland region is subject to the opportunities and threats posed by developments in emerging and advanced economies, new technology, advances in freight and logistics operations, evolving consumer demand and climate change. To remain competitive, the region has to maintain global leadership in creating and using technology to seize opportunities and profitably solve challenges.
The Supply Chain Innovation Center and Business Incubator (SCICBI), an Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) hub on Governors State University campus, will foster supply chain and logistics innovation in the Chicago Southland through consulting, training, and mentoring services provided to entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses in the region. Through these services and programs, SCICBI will help innovative startups and businesses challenge the status quo in the supply chain and logistics sector, provide solutions to workforce and economic growth challenges in the region, and contribute to job creation and economic development.