REGIONAL INNOVATION STRATEGY ENGINE
The Engine of Next for the region
Connected DMV Isn’t Just following the trends—We’re Building What’s Next
MEET RISE
And building what’s next, together, starts with the Greater Washington Regional Strategy Engine (RISE).
RISE unites the region’s most powerful players—government, industry, academia, and community—around a shared economic vision. We turn ambition into action, innovation into infrastructure, and opportunity into real-world outcomes. Built on the legacy of the DMV Regional Congress and REDS (Regional Economic Development Strategy), RISE accelerates Greater Washington’s ability to not just compete in the future economy—but to define it.
The region’s economic development organizations exhibit jointly under the Greater Washington Build Here brand at Quantum World Congress 2024. Build Here is a core project of RISE.
From REDS to RISE: A New Chapter in Collaboration
For four years, Connected DMV convened the region’s most trusted leaders to tackle big challenges through the DMV Regional Congress and REDS. That work launched game-changing initiatives—like the Potomac Quantum Innovation Center, Quantum World Congress, and Capital of Space Innovation Center—that have the power to transform Greater Washington into a global contender in technology-driven innovation.
Now, RISE takes that momentum and hits full throttle—aligning high-growth industries, scaling infrastructure, and building the workforce pipelines that power long-term competitiveness.
As Part of Our Regional Innovation Strategy Engine, We launch initiatives that:
Position Greater Washington at the forefront of the industries defining the next economy.
Break down jurisdictional and institutional silos to unlock cross-sector collaboration across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
Deliver measurable outcomes that expand opportunity, fuel innovation, and improve quality of life across the region.
In a region full of think tanks, we’re the do tank
We take bold ideas and turn them into tangible results. We don’t just want Greater Washington to be part of the future economy. We want it to be the place the rest of the world points to and says, “That’s where the future happens.”
RISE Isn’t a Plan—IT’s a Launch Sequence
Plans sit on shelves. RISE moves.
We operate like a mission control for the region’s economic future—charting the course, powering up the engines, and igniting lift-off for industries that will define the next century. Every initiative we launch is designed for impact at scale, with the speed and precision it takes to win in a global race.
RISE isn’t here to wait for the right moment. We make the moment. That means:
Acting Ahead of the Curve
Spotting and seizing opportunities in quantum, hydrogen, space commercialization and other high-growth sectors before they become crowded fields.
Building the Runway
Aligning infrastructure, policy, and investment so new industries don’t just emerge here, they thrive here.
Fueling the Talent Engines
Developing pipelines that connect regional talent to the most transformative careers on the planet.
Driving Market Confidence
Sending a clear signal to investors, innovators, and global partners that Greater Washington is the place to place their bets.
The Work of What’s Next
RISE fuels a growing portfolio of high-impact initiatives already reshaping our economy.
Led by the Region’s Most Trusted Leaders
At Connected DMV, we believe that when local leadership united behind a shared purpose, the region wins. RISE is co-chaired by the region’s top economic development leaders, representing the collective force of Greater Washington’s jurisdictions.
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Nina Albert
Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development
District of Columbia -
Victor Hoskins
President and CEO
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority -
Jennifer Jones
CEO
Howard County Economic Development Authority -
Buddy Rizer
Executive Director
Loudoun County Economic Development -
Ebony Stocks
Interim President & CEO
Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation -
Bill Tompkins
President & CEO
Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation -
Ryan Touhill
Director
Arlington Economic Development
NASA Deputy Administrator Pamela Melroy at Quantum World Congress 2024.
The Future Doesn’t Wait
The future moves fast, and so do we. If you want to get the latest updates on what’s next in Greater Washington, connect with us now.