The symposium convened state officials and staff, business leaders, and leading national figures in early-stage finance, technology, engineering, education, and state and federal policies to review challenges, plans, and opportunities for innovation-led growth in Illinois. These symposium participants assessed Illinois' academic, industrial, and human resources, identified key policy issues, and engaged in a discussion of how the state might leverage regional development organizations, state initiatives, and national programs focused on manufacturing and innovation to support its economic development goals. The conference focuses on the biotechnology sector as a leading exemplar of an innovation driven industry. The partnerships among academia, industry, and government in biotechnology are illustrative of a wider set of initiatives underway in Illinois to grow the state's innovation ecosystem.