Video On Demand

Spurring Regional and Inclusive Innovation: A Discussion with EDA Asst. Sec. Alejandra Castillo

November 18, 2022 • 1:30 – 3:00 pm EST

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As the United States government makes historic investments in its innovation ecosystem, policy makers have a unique opportunity to broaden geographic and demographic participation in the high-tech economy. With the passing of the CHIPS and Science Act, Congress has tasked the Economic Development Administration (EDA) with administering two programs meant to spur regional economic growth and geographically clustered technological innovation: the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub program and the RECOMPETE pilot program. These programs will complement ongoing EDA initiatives such as the Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC), and the Equity Impact Investments initiative. To discuss these programs, the current Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, Alejandra Castillo, will sit down for a fireside chat with CSIS senior adviser Tom Guevara, who formerly served as EDA Deputy Assistant Secretary and now leads the Public Policy Institute at Indiana University.

Alejandra Y. Castillo was sworn in as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development on August 13, 2021. Prior to EDA, Castillo was the Chief Executive Officer of YWCA USA and national director of the Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency. Her professional career spans two decades, focusing on creating equitable and inclusive opportunities for all Americans.

Tom Guevara joined the IU Public Policy Institute (PPI) as its fifth director in April of 2017. Prior to PPI, Guevara spent six years as deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration. In his role there, he led the implementation of the federal economic development agenda, promoting innovation and competitiveness to help U.S. workers and businesses compete globally. He is a non-resident senior adviser to the CSIS Renewing American Innovation Project.

This event is made possible through general support to CSIS.

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Tom Guevara
Senior Adviser (Non-resident), Renewing American Innovation Project