Businesses Driving the Innovation Economy

• The Detroit Region is home to a world-class, innovation ecosystem. 
• A city center, complete with numerous amenities, is the key to attracting and retaining prospective innovators. 
• A reliable transit system is necessary to strengthen and expand Detroit’s innovation ecosystem. 

View the full session recording below.

During the 2025 Detroit Policy Conference, Bedrock’s Kofi Bonner, KLA’s John McLaughlin, Michigan Central’s Carolina Pluszczynski, and Henry Ford Health’s Robert G. Riney shared their thoughts on how businesses are driving the innovation economy. With Creative Class Group’s Richard Florida moderating the discussion, the panelists also discussed the gaps that need to be identified and addressed in Detroit’s innovation ecosystem. 

A Region Brimming With Innovation

The panelists’ discussion centered around the ways their businesses are driving innovation in the Detroit Region, beginning with Michigan Central’s Pluszczynski. Pluszczynski shared some of the ways Michigan Central is bolstering the region’s capability in critical fields, like advanced mobility and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“I think the physical revitalization of Michigan Central has allowed us to build this innovation platform. We are attracting startups…we have the policy infrastructure…and then the social infrastructure,” shared Pluszcynski.

Bonner focused on the importance of a city center, emphasizing how “it is the city center that will provide the fundamental urban amenities that are necessary for innovators that want to grow their companies [in Detroit].” In addition to the vibrancy Detroit offers, Bedrock’s unique urban portfolio boasts connected buildings and spaces that innovators can explore and test.

As for how Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) is driving the innovation ecosystem, Riney noted that “we exist as a population health enterprise.”

Further, Riney said, “what drives the overall health of the economy is strong education and academic access. Strong access to jobs…and then sites that become a destination and a desire for people to congregate and create density.”

HFHS is elevating the Detroit Region’s population by partnering with schools and startup companies.

Lastly, a true testament to Southeast Michigan’s innovation ecosystem, KLA selected its second headquarters location in Ann Arbor in 2018, citing engineering talent, a lower cost of living, and international accessibility. The company continues to grow and do business.

“The tech sector in Ann Arbor is growing, with KLA and a number of other companies choosing to locate their large facilities here,” said McLuaghlin.

Mind the Gap

The conversation also centered around the gaps that need to be identified and addressed in Detroit’s innovation ecosystem. Pluszczynski identified the need for tools for founders, especially partnerships with the state. 

“It’s amazing what a $10,000 or $25,000 grant can do for these people. To make the decision to come here, and then once they’re here, to keep them here,” said Pluszczynski.  

She also cited the need for collaboration, which the other panelists echoed. Bonner double-downed and noted the need for a “very well-connected leadership team.” 

Another gap that was top of mind for the panelists was transit. 

“Transit is one that really comes to mind for folks in Ann Arbor….The geographic expanse of this region is real… and it can be hard to attract talent, particularly in the Gen Z workforce. These people don’t really want to drive,” emphasized McLaughlin. 

Moving Forward

The conversation closed with the panelists’ suggestions on how to strengthen Detroit’s innovation ecosystem, which included new applied research opportunities, capitalizing on the region’s universities, creating a centralized leadership team, and building a reliable transit system. 

Despite these suggestions, Detroit’s innovation ecosystem is flourishing and has a bright future ahead. 

“What better place than Detroit…to begin to really experiment with the city of the future,” concluded Florida.