SSTI’s 2017 Annual Conference held last week in Washington, D.C., helped build bridges to the future through its gathering of more than 250 participants working to create a better future through science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. Congressman David Cicilline addressed the gathering and stressed the importance of the Regional Innovation Strategies program in his keynote address. Thought leaders revealed insights on the current political climate, social and demographic trends across the nation, and the importance of building an inclusive effort to create sustainable and meaningful change.