The Economic Opportunity in Energy and Climate Change

The transition from finite energy sources such as fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is on. The U.S. government, European Union and China are directing billions into the development of renewable energies. Most states have adopted energy standards to encourage the change. Private investments in renewable energies also have surpassed investments in fossil fuel technologies. Economic opportunities and challenges for regions across the country abound as a result.

Energy issues don't stop at the power plant, whether they are large centralized facilities or distributed at each household or business. With the urgent need to combat climate change and become more globally competitive, decreasing our energy use and pollution byproducts is important in everything and will affect all we do — including how we approach economic development.

The transition is challenging many traditional industries, but also it is ushering well-paying, long-lasting greener jobs. Tech-based economic development — from research to development to investment and production for commercial markets — must be responsive to the opportunities presented throughout the transition to ensure your region remains or grows even more competitive as the economy transforms its relationship with energy production, consumption and the environment.

How should your regional innovation strategy respond to the energy and climate challenge?

The Answer: By attending SSTI's preconference event: The Energy Imperative: Maximizing Green TBED Opportunities.

This engaging half-day workshop will provided you the tools necessary to leverage regional assets to become part of the economic boom fueled by renewable energies. We're assembling a group of federal, private and TBED experts to share their knowledge on a diverse set of energy topics. Some of the topics include:

• Up-to-date information on what is happening in the Department of Energy. We'll examine the new research priorities, the energy hub programs, planned initiatives, and opportunities for TBED organizations to become more involved.
• Specific examples of how states and regions are developing programs and policies to capitalize on emerging clean, green opportunities.
• Tools and tips for how to accelerate technology commercialization and partner with federal energy labs for R&D, tech transfer, pilot production and commercial success.
• Specific action items for your TBED strategy to improve your abilities to maximize the opportunities presented in the energy imperative.

To wrap up the session, there also will be a town hall-esque discussion in which you will be able to ask questions and share your own experiences. With the wealth of information being provided at this session, you cannot afford to miss it!

The Energy Imperative: Maximizing Green TBED Opportunities
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday, September 14