Higher education is often described as an anchor institution in innovation ecosystems—but what does that really mean in practice?

In this episode of Ecosystem, Scale!, Aaron Taylor is joined by Almesha Campbell, Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Jackson State University, and Jim Woodell, Founder of Venn Collaborative and co-creator of the CCube framework, for a comprehensive, real-world conversation about the evolving role of universities in startup communities and regional innovation ecosystems.

Together, they share how higher education institutions can move beyond symbolic participation to become active, trusted contributors to ecosystem growth. The conversation examines the language gaps, cultural barriers, and internal flows that oft ...