At the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), we believe that rural America has the talent, drive, and vision to lead in the tech economy, and our Rural Innovation Network members are a powerful testament to this spirit.

That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome four new communities to the Rural Innovation Network: Meadville, Pennsylvania; Rutherford County, North Carolina; Natchitoches, Louisiana; and Danville, Virginia.

The Rural Innovation Network is a nationwide community of rural leaders working to build thriving tech economies in small towns across the country. With support from CORI, Network members collaborate, share strategies, and access tools and resources that help them grow resilient local tech ecosystems where innovation and entrepreneurship can flourish.

Each of these four new communities brings a unique mix of local leadership, community vision, and economic potential, and we’re excited to support their efforts to build an economy for the future: growing tech jobs, attracting investment, and expanding opportunities for all.

Meadville, Pennsylvania

Meadville is a proud manufacturing town with a deep legacy in precision tooling and a strong spirit of collaboration. Today, community leaders are excited to build upon that legacy to nurture a growing innovation economy that blends industry expertise, creative energy to generate opportunities for the region.

With anchor institutions like Allegheny College and Crawford Tech, and regional employers such as Acutec, Meadville is investing in the people and partnerships necessary to foster a robust tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem. The new Allegheny Lab for Innovation and Creativity (ALIC) serves as a hub for student and startup collaboration, while community spaces like Hatch Hollow foster inclusive innovation by bringing together artists, freelancers, and founders in one place.

By joining the Rural Innovation Network, Meadville is amplifying its efforts to build a connected and resilient local economy—one where innovation thrives and opportunities are shared across the community.

Rutherford County, North Carolina

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rutherford County is turning the page from its textile past to write a new story of innovation and resilience. The county is investing in the infrastructure, talent, and partnerships needed to build a sustainable tech economy for the future.

Local institutions, including Isothermal Community College, the Foothills Regional Commission, and Rutherford County Economic Development, are leading efforts to support entrepreneurs, train local residents, and expand opportunities. With standout initiatives like the iTECH Academy, the forthcoming XRAIL (Xtended Reality and AI Lab), and K–12 STEAM programs, the region is preparing learners of all ages for the jobs of tomorrow.

Through the Rural Innovation Network, Rutherford County is tapping into a broader movement of rural communities driving innovation — and taking bold steps to create a tech-powered future rooted in local values.

Natchitoches, Louisiana

Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, is blending its rich Creole heritage with a forward-looking vision for tech-based economic development. With plans underway for its Innovation Park, the community is creating a hub for entrepreneurship, workforce training, and collaboration.

A strong local coalition that includes Northwestern State University, the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Natchitoches Economic Development Alliance is working together to bring this vision to life. Their efforts are rooted in the belief that innovation can reflect and amplify the region’s cultural and economic strengths.

Joining the Rural Innovation Network connects Natchitoches to a national community of rural changemakers, giving the city the momentum and tools to realize its vision of a vibrant, tech-forward economy.

Danville, Virginia

With deep roots in manufacturing and agriculture, the community of Danville is charting an ambitious path toward tech-powered transformation. Leading this effort is the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), a regional anchor focused on applied research, economic advancement, innovation, and workforce development.

IALR plays a key role in building Danville’s growing tech ecosystem. Through partnerships with institutions like Virginia Tech, they support internships, graduate research opportunities, and workforce initiatives. The region is also home to GO TEC® (Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers), a talent development program that introduces middle school students to high-demand, STEM-focused career fields such as robotics, mechatronics, IT, and precision machining.

With a strong interest in areas such as biotechnology, controlled environment agriculture, chemistry, and robotics, Danville is excited to collaborate with peers across the Rural Innovation Network to grow its economy, expand workforce opportunities, and create lasting benefits for its residents.

 

As these four communities join the Rural Innovation Network, they become part of a larger movement of rural changemakers shaping the future of the tech economy. With bold local leadership, collaborative strategies, and shared commitment, they’re proving that rural communities can lead the way in innovation and inclusive economic growth.

Is your community ready to reshape its future? Discover more about the Rural Innovation Network and how it supports rural communities in building thriving tech and innovation economies.