Innovation drives modern economies, and in today’s world, innovation and technology are inseparable from business. In Northeast Ohio, that intersection is taking on new momentum. While the region may not yet rival the nation’s top tech hubs, it is actively cultivating a collaborative environment where business, academia, nonprofits, government, and civic organizations work together to shape a stronger ecosystem.

At the center of this transformation is the Boler College of Business at John Carroll University. Under the leadership of Dr. Elad Granot, the college is playing a strategic role in aligning education and technology with the region’s future.

Rethinking Ecosystem Engagement

When Dr. Granot arrived, he assessed Northeast Ohio’s level of collaboration across sectors and gave it a failing grade. Since then, he’s seen marked improvement. While many organizations were previously operating in isolation, there is now a growing sense of coordination. Still, challenges remain. Dr. Granot believes that progress depends on removing silos and fostering partnerships built on trust and shared goals.

He emphasizes that real progress will only happen when relationships become the foundation of regional development. According to him, innovation happens when people share knowledge and celebrate one another’s wins. “To reach our full potential,” he notes, “we must place technology at the center of everything we do and build on the relationships that already exist.”

Positioning Northeast Ohio as a Start-Up Hub

Although the region has yet to fully emerge as a destination for tech start-ups, its potential is undeniable. It has key geographic and environmental advantages, including access to Lake Erie, a major natural resource increasingly important to tech and manufacturing industries. Its central location makes it easy to travel to financial centers like New York or Chicago, with direct connections to innovation corridors such as Silicon Valley.

Northeast Ohio also benefits from a diverse population and a strong network of higher education institutions. The Boler College of Business helps attract talented students and professionals, reinforcing the region’s appeal. Combined with the area’s practical, industrious work ethic, these elements create fertile ground for growth.

However, one critical component is still missing: early-stage capital. The lack of venture funding poses a serious barrier for entrepreneurs. Recognizing this, Boler College has begun initiatives to educate students on venture capital and encourage participation in this space, aiming to close the gap and support a stronger pipeline of innovation.

Redefining the Role of a Business School

In today’s interconnected world, Dr. Granot sees the mission of business schools as going far beyond traditional education. Schools must also serve as engines for opportunity and inclusion. This starts with access. Without equal access to resources and networks, developing future talent becomes an uphill battle.

Dr. Granot is focused on reducing these barriers and creating pathways for students to engage meaningfully with technologies like artificial intelligence. The goal is to ensure students from all backgrounds feel welcomed and prepared to contribute to the broader innovation landscape. For him, this is a non-negotiable part of the college’s role in the ecosystem.

Setting Priorities with Purpose

To drive results, Dr. Granot relies on a structured framework known as Objectives and Known Results (OKR). This approach ensures that energy is directed toward a few key goals rather than scattered across too many efforts. The Boler College of Business has identified several strategic priorities under this model:

1.     Global Exposure
Students must gain international awareness to understand the innovation and technology trends that shape global business.

2.     Hands-On Learning
Every student is required to complete an internship before graduating, ensuring practical experience complements academic learning.

3.     Technology Integration
Students leave the program with a solid foundation in essential technologies, preparing them for the digital demands of modern business.

4.     Comprehensive Business Understanding
Regardless of career path, students benefit from knowing how businesses operate. This knowledge is embedded across all programs and is fueling the expansion of graduate offerings.

Entrepreneurship as a Core Mindset

For Dr. Granot, entrepreneurship is not a niche path for a select few but a vital mindset that all students should embrace. It is at the core of a thriving ecosystem and a catalyst for innovation. Boler College is actively embedding entrepreneurial thinking across disciplines, giving students the tools and resources to bring their ideas to life.

One of the most inspiring aspects of entrepreneurship, he notes, is its accessibility. There is no single mold for an entrepreneur. Whether a student majors in business, engineering, or another field entirely, the opportunity to innovate is open to them. The college supports this by offering cross-functional tools and platforms that any student can use to explore their potential.

By encouraging entrepreneurial thinking and lowering barriers to entry, Boler College is increasing the region’s capacity to cultivate talent and generate impact.

The Road Ahead

Northeast Ohio is still on its journey toward becoming a recognized leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. But with institutions like the Boler College of Business leading the charge and voices like Dr. Granot advocating for stronger collaboration, the groundwork is being laid for a tech-forward future.

The transformation will take time, but it is already underway. With the right partnerships, access to resources, and commitment to shared success, the region has every opportunity to become a national example of how education and community engagement can build a thriving innovation economy.