In the end, it is not only about developing talent, it
is important to recruit and retain talent. To build successful
innovation hubs, states must become attractive
destinations for global talent. After all, top talent is infinitely
more mobile than companies. Like many states
with an extensive network of universities, Maryland exports
talent as graduating students pursue opportunities
in other states rather than retaining the talent that can
generate new entrepreneurial ventures and innovations.
Aggressive campaigns to integrate student populations
into local communities can have a meaningful impact in
retaining them post-graduation. For example, Baltimore’s
Collegetown Network was founded in 1999 and over the
last decade has been successful in increasing the retention
rate of students from 19 percent in 2003 to 31.5
percent in 2009.