The availability of water and sewer once signified the potential for development. However, times have changed and the City of Dublin has used foresight to address today’s business needs. The City of Dublin is working as a leader in Central Ohio to use technology infrastructure as an economic development tool and incentive to do business. Taking a regional approach to development, Dublin is focusing on the West Innovation District as a critical component of a much larger system of technology-related nodes that make Central Ohio more marketable on a national and global scale. In conjunction with this macro-level view of development, the City is also investing significant efforts to ensure that great business ideas can start here in Dublin and companies can grow in place.
Focus on Technology and Communication
The City of Dublin has focused significant capital toward building the largest broadband and WiFi system in Central Ohio. DubLink is Dublin’s broadband infrastructure system located throughout the City’s key business neighborhoods. The over 120-mile system is located entirely underground and is extended in conjunction with major road improvements. The system is an example of how Dublin provides innovative services to corporate residents. DubLINK accommodates optical fiber services providing instant access to the global marketplace. Created as an economic development tool, fibers from the system can be dedicated to businesses for exclusive use. Ohio Health, Battelle, IGS Energy and Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) are examples of corporations that are benefiting from Dublin’s proactive approach.
In addition to DubLink, the City has linked with the Ohio Academic Research Network (OARnet) to create the Central Ohio Research Network (CORN). The broadband system links businesses with educational institutions to encourage research and economic development opportunities. Through Dublin’s connection to the most advanced statewide research network in the United States, OARnet provides access to governments, colleges, universities and other institutions such as the Ohio Supercomputer Center through more than 1,850 miles of high-speed broadband.
Development in the West Innovation District includes the comprehensive extension of DubLink facilities along with identified road improvements. Interchange enhancements are underway at the SR 161 / Post Road entrance to the West Innovation District, and primary extensions of the broadband network have been extended through that area. System extensions are expected along arterials and collectors or as expedited by particular development proposals.
Fostering Business Creation and Growth
As a regional force in technology-related growth, Dublin partnered with TechColumbus in 2009 to establish the Dublin Entrepreneurial Center (DEC) in the West Innovation District. The DEC has been home to over 50 new companies and has won awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for its collaborative approach between the City of Dublin, TechColumbus and participating businesses and organizations. The Center’s success is an important part of larger efforts to foster development opportunities to meet business needs throughout the West Innovation District, from start-up ideas and growing companies to the largest global corporations.
In 2012 the City of Dublin entered into an economic development agreement with Ohio University to establish a new satellite medical campus in the West Innovation District. As part of this initiative, the university purchased the office building in which the DEC was located, creating an opportunity to relocate and expand the DEC with an enhanced space and additional business services. While the DEC is no longer located within the West Innovation District, it serves as a successful example of how municipal commitments can assist local companies and grow entrepreneurial ideas. Its new home in the Metro Office District will reinforce Dublin’s efforts to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in each of the city’s business neighborhoods.
