The objective of the N2TEC Rural Pilot Project in the Black Hills region of South Dakota is to demonstrate the ability to effectively network innovators, entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurial communities to develop new technology-based businesses and expand existing businesses in rural regions.   The Black Hills High Performance Region Index number indicated that it was in a position to benefit from the expertise, resources, and facilitation of the N2TEC Institute and its HPR team. The HPR Index, developed by N2TEC partner Delore Zimmerman of CEO Praxis in North Dakota, is based on Seven High-Performance Community Action Strategies: connectivity, entrepreneurship, job growth from within, global awareness, industry clusters, inter-firm collaboration, and regional collaboration. A High Performance Community is a place where individuals, companies, organizations, and government agencies are enabled to be fast, flexible, focused, networked, customized, and global. Completing the HPC Index provides a snapshot of a community’s readiness for innovation and technology-based development.

The project is is aligned with the state’s 2010 Initiative to produce opportunity and economic development for the state.  The Eco-system for this intitiative is extensive and includes all the the major organizations and decision-makers in the state.