Nolten: CIC changes mean to redefine success in innovation
Trying to fundamentally change the dynamics of the economy in northwest Louisiana requires a lean, innovative, fast-moving approach from the top down. As we witness increasing shifts in the fabric of our community, our nation, and across the globe, our work at the Cyber Innovation Center has never been more important.
The core of our mission is collaboration to accelerate research and development of new solutions for cyber education and defense. Innovation thrives in environments rich with diverse perspectives, and my belief is that all of Shreveport-Bossier is needed to create an attractive community that offers high-wage, in-demand jobs.
Since assuming the role of president, I have sought an inclusive, empathetic, and adaptable approach to leading the way when it comes to reshaping what is possible in our corner of the state.
In the past nine months, the CIC has grown its team, set its sights on new initiatives, and shifting its strategic focus areas to more than meet the expectations of our government partners.
In the past year, the CIC has focused on three primary efforts: growing the cyber and defense economy, increasing contracts for workforce development, and growing the national footprint of the National Cyber Research Park.
With the establishment of a business development task force, we are chasing opportunities with great success, and we are looking forward to a 2025 full of major announcements.
In addition to the task force, we are launching a new advisory board that consists of economic leaders, community stakeholders, and elected officials. This advisory board will expand the number of collaborators in our community, in turn building more connections that will create growth and future expansion.
Our focus on inclusivity, collaboration, and engagement with industry and academia will redefine what success means in the innovation space.
It is about creating solutions that resonate with our stakeholders and drive meaningful change in cybersecurity education across the nation and technology transfer for Air Force Global Strike Command.
The landscape of our workforce and its makeup is shifting. Success for Shreveport-Bossier can — and should — be measured by more than just the bottom line.
The leadership transformation at the CIC is not just a change in personnel. It is a progressive shift towards a more inclusive future for northwest Louisiana. As our organization embraces this forward-thinking approach, we hope to show that a unified vision and progressive culture can harness innovation for the greater good.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kevin Nolten is president of the Cyber Innovation Center in Bossier City, La. A native of Northwest Louisiana, Kevin has over 15 years in non-profit management experience and has spent his entire career in education, training, and workforce development with a variety of focus areas to include K-12 and Higher Education. His expertise in workforce development has been sought after by both state and federal governments to advance cybersecurity knowledge and economic development.
ABOUT THE CYBER INNOVATION CENTER
Cyber Innovation Center (CIC), located in Bossier City, Louisiana, is the anchor of the 3,000-acre National Cyber Research Park and serves as the catalyst for the development and expansion of a knowledge-based workforce throughout the region. As a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation, CIC fosters collaboration among its partners and accelerates technology, research, and development. One of its primary missions is to develop a sustainable knowledge-based workforce that can support the growing needs of government, industry, and academic partners.