Greater Washington Partnership puts focus on tech talent

A group of regional CEOs who banded together to increase ties between cities and economic competitiveness is putting a focus on education, and it’s starting with tech talent.

The Greater Washington Partnership, which was formed in 2016 by CEOs in the D.C., Baltimore and Richmond areas, recently announced a new effort to bring together universities and business to establish a set of credentials for workers that will be seen as unique by employers seeking tech talent. It’s initially focusing on areas like data analytics, machine learning and cybersecurity, which are seen as having growth potential. The group will also work on setting up education pathways to obtain the credentials.

The group is also planning a way to showcase the region’s tech strengths, according to the announcement.

The Capital CoLAB (Collaborative of Leaders in Academia and Business) includes D.C. universities such as American, Howard, George Washington and Georgetown, as well as institutions around the region like the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins and Virginia Tech.

Businesses joining the effort include Capital One, MedStar Heath, Monumental Sports & Entertainment and MedImmune, among others.

“Our region has enormous potential to become a leader in the global economy for years to come, but only if we work together to leverage our strengths across sectors and disciplines,” Jason Miller, CEO of the Greater Washington Partnership, said in a statement. “The strength of this group of leading businesses and educational institutions is profound and demonstrates the uniqueness of the Capital Region.”