I’m on a journey to understand innovation - to truly dig in and learn what’s worked to drive change in various sectors, industries, and communities, how it can be adapted for others, and how I might play a role, however large or small, in supporting and accelerating these efforts.
Cordova, Alaska is the most recent stop on this journey. This rugged, beautiful, unique setting is a showcase for innovation and resilience in the face of changing climate and economic conditions. The community there has implemented groundbreaking ideas, acted with agility, and forged strong bonds along the way, and it all grew out of necessity. Over the decades, the Prince William Sound region has endured catastrophes including earthquake, tsunami, avalanche, and an oil spill. Its fiercely committed residents banded together out of dedication to protect their region and improve quality of life. Our group, led by enthusiastic and gracious hosts Senator Lisa Murkowski and her team, readily saw innovation at every turn to support this as we toured this “region of resilience.”
Of course, I was especially interested in Cordova’s energy infrastructure. The town has no connection to the grid – it relies on a Lithium ion energy storage system integrated into a hydropower microgrid managed by the Cordova Electric Cooperative and developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). One has only to look around this area to see plenty of other technological, social, and programmatic innovations at work, from the Native Village of Eyak to local kelp farmers and the economic development district, including:
> Managing fisheries
> Processing seafood
> Applied climate science
> Regenerative tourism
> Improving food security
> Community planning
Throughout this most inspirational weekend “Innovate Cordova” adventure, the “secret sauce” that makes this unique ecosystem’s game-changing outcomes and resulting benefits possible became as clear as the waters in the Sound: Close collaboration and diversity – of thought, background, perspective – in passionate pursuit of shared objectives .
I left Cordova with many new friends, including a furry one named Buck, and struck by the commonalities of the visit with another area ripe for accelerated, lasting change and impact: the global #nuclearindustry. In just a few weeks, my continuing journey will take me to the Global Forum for Nuclear Innovation in Miami. I’m eager to join with my colleagues there to share what I learned in Alaska and encourage such collaborative application to turn #AmbitionintoAction for the benefit of the industry.
Looking forward to delving ever deeper on this continuing journey and hoping to see many of you along the way.
Regional Business Developer - West Coast Region - Professional Computer Solutions, LLC
1moWhat a great feature!