About Us

The Center on Rural Innovation works with rural communities across the country to become more strategic about digital economic development. Through programs and initiatives, CORI supports communities looking to create new economic opportunities in the places they call home.

Our Mission

Advancing inclusive rural prosperity through digital economy ecosystems that support scalable entrepreneurship and tech job creation.

Who We Serve

Right now, 15% of America’s workforce lives in rural America but only 5% of the nation’s tech employment is in rural areas. By 2030, we want rural America to have 15% of the nation’s digital economy jobs, distributed to match the gender and race demographics of each region. CORI will achieve this goal by supporting the creation of digital economy ecosystems in rural communities. The partners we work with, like the communities we serve, are unique. That being said, we typically work with economic development organizations, entrepreneurship programs, local government bodies, post-secondary institutions, workforce development boards, coworking spaces, business leaders, and local advocates.