Higher education is often described as an anchor institution in innovation ecosystems—but what does that really mean in practice?

In this episode of Ecosystem, Scale!, Aaron Taylor is joined by Almesha Campbell, Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Jackson State University, and Jim Woodell, Founder of Venn Collaborative and co-creator of the CCube framework, for a comprehensive, real-world conversation about the evolving role of universities in startup communities and regional innovation ecosystems.

Together, they share how higher education institutions can move beyond symbolic participation to become active, trusted contributors to ecosystem growth. The conversation examines the language gaps, cultural barriers, and internal flows that often slow collaboration—while also highlighting the immense and underutilized assets universities bring to founders, entrepreneurs, and communities.

Key themes include:

• What it truly means for universities to function as anchor institutions
• Why transparency, trust, and shared language matter more than programs alone
• How structured conversations can unlock collaboration across silos
• The shift from transactional partnerships to sustained, network-based ecosystems
• Why a “boundaryless mindset” is essential for long-term ecosystem resilience

This episode is essential listening for founders, ecosystem builders, higher education leaders, economic developers, and policymakers seeking to better understand how universities fit into the broader innovation landscape—and how to engage them more effectively.

Rather than offering quick fixes, this conversation invites listeners to rethink collaboration as a shared responsibility built on relationships, contribution, and intentional design.

About the Speakers

Almesha Campbell is the immediate past Chairwoman of AUTM and Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Jackson State University, where she bridges research, innovation, and community impact. With deep experience in advancing institutional collaboration and inclusive ecosystem engagement, Almesha focuses on aligning university assets—talent, research, and infrastructure—with regional innovation priorities and community needs.

Connect with her here: linkedin.com/in/almeshalcampbell

Jim Woodell Jim Woodell is the founder of Venn Collaborative, a partnership-focused consultancy that helps universities and ecosystem stakeholders improve collaboration with external partners for economic and community impact. He co-developed the CCube structured conversation framework to support alignment, shared language, and actionable strategy across diverse ecosystem actors.

Connect with him here: https://linktr.ee/JimWoodell

Resources:

https://www.ccube.tools/

https://www.ptie.org/

https://autm.net/