Oklahoma Innovation Institute: History

In 2006, Tulsa embarked on an innovative, citizen-based bottoms-up planning process called Step Up Tulsa! � a community dialogue resulting in bold goals to improve the Tulsa region in the areas of education, health and economic development. The Economic Development Task Force of Step Up Tulsa! was co-chaired by Barry Davis, Managing Partner, Davis, Tuttle Venture Partners and Tom Walker, President, i2E.

Tulsa Community Foundation (TCF), in cooperation with local community funders, initiated this citizen-based planning process. TCF is a non-profit organization that promotes philanthropy to support the Tulsa region. TCF is the largest community foundation in the United States and is the convener of the Step Up Tulsa! initiative.

As a result of this planning, the Task Force recommended an Innovation Institute be established to serve as the home for the creation and implementation of multiple programs to ensure collaborative research and other actions furthering economic development of the region. The Institute Board acknowledges with deep appreciation the work of i2E in the planning and development of the Oklahoma Innovation Institute.