Connecticut\u2019s rich culture of innovation and UConn\u2019s integral place in its past and future successes are on display in a new documentary, which drew about 400 guests to a recent premiere event in Hartford and prompted a thought-provoking panel discussion afterward.<\/p>\n
\u201cInnovation in Connecticut<\/a>,\u201d a project initiated by UConn President Radenka Maric and directed by filmmaker and Associate Research Professor Zeljko Mirkovic<\/a>, premiered Sept. 25 at The Bushnell in downtown Hartford.<\/p>\n It was followed by a panel in which participants examined the unique assets that make Connecticut such a strong incubator for research and innovation, and how to capitalize on those strengths moving forward.<\/p>\n Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, an early entrepreneur in the cable and satellite industry, told the crowd that while Connecticut is rightfully proud of its centuries of innovation, the years ahead provide unique potential for the discovery and development of new world-leading technologies.<\/p>\n And UConn, he said, \u201cis the heart and soul of everything we\u2019re trying to do here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe trick for innovation is that you can\u2019t always be looking in the rearview mirror; you have to be looking forward. UConn has been at the heart of our innovation for many years, and we need it more now than ever,\u201d Lamont said. \u201cThe last 20 years and the next 20 years are going to be absolutely transformative in terms of innovation and thanks to UConn, we\u2019re going to be front and center.\u201d<\/p>\n