Miami Can Lead The Way To A Better And More Resilient South Florida Through Tech | Opinion

Monday marked a moment of pride and optimism for Greater Miami as the region was designated a Climate Resilient Technology Hub by the U.S. Department of Commerce. This designation is a testament to our community's commitment to growing Miami's technology ecosystem. This positions South Florida as a world leader for the next decade and means we are at the forefront of resilient and sustainable infrastructure innovation and economic development driven by rapid technological advances.

This summer, Knight announced major investments in two Miami-based climate organizations: Miami Waterkeeper and the Everglades Foundation. Miami, with its unique geography and porous limestone cliffs, is battling the tumultuous forces of sea level rise and climate change. Knight's advocacy aims to empower Miami residents and actively engage them in creating solutions that increase the city's resilience. We've known from the beginning that to solve the enormous challenge of climate change, we needed to connect communities where they gather most: through technology.

Our technology journey spans over ten years and is a testament to the achievements of collaboration. Miami's technological developments prompted the fund to invest more than $60 million in its growth. Our initiatives range from creating co-working spaces to hosting dynamic meetings and hosting catalytic events that foster a sense of community. These investments have strengthened Miami's popular image as a diverse and equitable technology and innovation hub. The results were visible even before the pandemic occurred. From 2013 to 2020, the number of software workers in Greater Miami grew 44%, from 37,250 to 53,730, more than double the US average of 21%.

In early 2021, Knight began investing in developing tech talent, with $10 million at FIU's College of Computing and Information Sciences and $4 million at the University of Miami's Institute for Computing and Data Sciences. Last year we proudly announced a $7 million investment in Miami Dade College's School of Engineering and Technology. It's part of a $15 million joint effort between Miami-Dade County, the city of Miami and the Downtown Development Authority. In 2022, Mayor Daniel Levin Cava launched the Miami-Dade Innovation Authority (MDIA), providing a unique opportunity to leverage cutting-edge technology to solve our nation's toughest challenges. Far from the beaches and nightlife that define Miami for many, these institutions will help train the next generation of computer scientists and engineers.

This technology tour of Miami highlights the important role of philanthropic organizations, higher education institutions, government agencies, and the business community working together with strategic precision. Our commitment to expanding our community's technology infrastructure stems from the belief that technology can pave the way to a better, more sustainable Miami. Being named a National Technology Center is a historic milestone that promises lasting positive change for our community. We are encouraged by Miami's accomplishments and excited about the possibilities for the future.

Raoul Moes John s. and James L. Knight is a senior director of the Foundation and a lifelong resident of Miami.

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