California 100, a statewide initiative that seeks to build a vision and strategy for the state’s long-term future, announced today two research grant awards to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (Cal Poly SLO) and the Loyola Marymount University (LMU) College of Business Administration to explore the future of agriculture and business and examine scenarios that have the potential to shape California in the next century. Last week, California 100 released its first four policy and scenario reports and will release a total of 15 future-focused reports through the end of the year.
“We are thrilled to add Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Loyola Marymount University as research partners in our work to envision a California future that is sustainable, equitable and inclusive,” said Karthick Ramakrishnan, Executive Director of California 100. “Cal Poly and LMU will engage diverse stakeholders across the state to understand where we’ve been, where we’re at, and where we’re headed in terms of the future of agriculture and business in the golden state.”
“We are excited to work with our research partners that are international experts in their issue areas,” said Henry Brady, Director of Research for California 100 and former Dean of the UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy, who is leading the Initiative’s research efforts. “We will not only develop a comprehensive knowledge base on various policy issues, but we will also offer actionable recommendations for Californians to consider.”
The Future of Business in California
The research team at LMU will study California’s current economy, taking a close look at individual opportunity and business climate through economic prosperity. Studying the dynamics of these two origins will provide historical context to the trends that have ensued. The researchers will use these findings to simulate future scenarios and devise policy interventions that enhance California 100 Initiative’s through lines.
The Future of Agriculture and Food Systems in California
Working through the lens of economic, social, and environmental drivers, the research team at Cal Poly SLO will explore the existing conditions around California food production, historical drivers in California agriculture and commercial fisheries, and emerging trends in California food including the rise of alternative proteins, increased automation in fields, and an aging cohort of medium to large farm food producers.
The research will be complete by the summer of 2022, and will lead to a set of policy alternatives for the future of California.
In October, California 100 announced its intergenerational commission that will develop recommendations for the state’s future and test those recommendations across a broad set of policy areas by directly engaging Californians. In December, California 100 selected an advisory board who will play a role in providing targeted feedback to California 100 staff through the life of the initiative.
About the California 100 Research Grants
California 100 is a new statewide initiative incubated at the University of California and Stanford University focused on inspiring a vision and strategy for California’s next century that is innovative, sustainable, and equitable. The initiative will harness the talent of a diverse array of leaders through research, policy innovation, advanced technology, and stakeholder engagement. California is working with Institute for the Future and research centers and institutes across the state in this work, focusing on the following policy domains:
- Advanced technology and basic research
- Agriculture
- Arts, culture, and entertainment
- Business
- Education and workforce, from cradle to career and retirement
- Economic mobility and inequality
- Energy, environment and natural resources
- Federalism and foreign policy
- Fiscal reform
- Governance, media, and civil society
- Health and wellness
- Housing and community development
- Immigrant integration
- Public safety and criminal justice reform
- Transportation and urban planning
From Research to Action: The California 100 Roadmap
The California 100 reports on policies and future scenarios is the first step in a multi-stage process that is designed to inspire and engage Californians—from a variety of sectors and all walks of life—to build a stronger future. In the summer of 2022, California 100 expert and intergenerational Commission will conduct a series of listening sessions throughout the state, to solicit feedback on the ideas generated by our research and to generate additional big and bold ideas for consideration by public and private agencies, as well as by everyday Californians. Insights will also be generated from the policy innovation projects throughout the state that cover a variety of topics, and our deep engagement with stakeholders and communities across the state.
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