SOUTHERN WILLAMETTE VALLEY
Innovation
Corridor Initiative
The Southern Willamette Valley
stands at the edge of a new opportunity.
Anchored by two world-class research universities, the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, the region is rich in ideas, talent, and potential. But while other university-anchored regions have surged ahead, ours has not yet fully captured the economic returns of its intellectual engine. Despite rising research capacity and record philanthropic investment, average incomes in this region trail the national average and lag peers like Portland and Bend. The promise is here. What’s missing is the structure to harness it. That’s what the Southern Willamette Valley Innovation Corridor aims to build: a long-term strategy that connects academic innovation with industry momentum, land readiness, and quality of place. One that makes room for new ideas without sacrificing the landscapes and values that define us.
By 2026, the initiative will deliver:
A powerful regional economic vision
Grounded in our university research strengths, illustrated through maps and visuals, and framed to preserve the environment that makes this region special.
An action-oriented strategy
Clear recommendations for land use, infrastructure, university-industry collaboration, and innovation-driven growth.
A coalition for long-term stewardship
A durable framework for regional coordination that can adapt across generations and evolving priorities.
Research & Engagement
Project staff and consultants will convene stakeholders throughout the duration of the project through several methods and additional engagement will formalize as needed.
Industry Focus Groups
Convenings to discuss barriers and opportunities to conditions facing regional businesses.
Individual Briefings
Meetings with civic and industry leaders, elected officials, and state legislators will occur throughout the project.
Vision and Design
Illustrate the relationship between innovation, growth, and economic vitality to develop a written and artistically rendered vision.
Best Practice and Governance Research
Research and evaluate successful university-led regional models and their governance structures. Align models with Oregon’s opportunities and constraints.
Site Readiness and Regulatory Analysis
Inventory and assess land availability and infrastructure needs to support business expansion. Address site readiness, challenges, and develop strategies for immediate and long-term improvements.
University and Innovation Ecosystem Committee
Assess how UO and OSU can support existing and new businesses and analyze the business capital landscape to expand on the region’s role in innovation.
The Steering Committee will travel to North
Carolina’s Research Triangle to meet with academic and industry leaders behind one of the nation’s most successful research and innovation corridors. The visit will offer an opportunity to learn firsthand how the region was established, adapted, and continues to thrive. Insights gained from this trip will inform Oregon’s own approach and will draw inspiration from their successes while tailoring strategies to reflect our state’s unique values,
culture, assets, and constraints.
Steering Committee Members
The Steering Committee brings together dedicated regional leaders who will provide ongoing guidance and adapt to new priorities as the work evolves.
Jordan Papé, Papé, Steering Committee Chair
President Jayathi Murthy, Oregon State University
President Karl Scholz, University of Oregon
Doug Boysen, Samaritan Health Services
Karla Chambers, Stahlbush Island Farms
Eric Forrest, Big Foot Beverages
Sue Richards, HP