; (2) enable 9 metropolitan statistical areas in the United States to become innovation centers for global innovation leadership and models for inclusive growth, equal opportunity, and rising living standards for disadvantaged populations; (3) inspire, within metropolitan statistical areas in the United States across the country, new and constructive collaboration among local, State, and Federal government entities, academia, and private industry by issuing a call for innovation center proposals with clear, ambitious objectives; (4) carry out a transparent, competitive, fair, and rigorous process for selecting innovation centers; (5) ensure the transparent, efficient and effective use of taxpayer funds