For three decades, the SSTI Digest has been the source for news, insights, and analysis about technology-based economic development. We bring together stories on federal and state policy, funding opportunities, program models, and research that matter to people working to strengthen regional innovation economies.

The Digest is written for practitioners who are building partnerships, shaping programs, and making policy decisions in their regions. We focus on what’s practical, what’s emerging, and what you can learn from others doing similar work across the country.

This archive makes it easy to explore years of Digest issues, allowing you to track the field’s evolution, revisit key stories, and discover ideas worth revisiting. To stay current, subscribe to the SSTI Digest and get each edition delivered straight to your inbox.

Also consider becoming an SSTI member to help ensure the publication and library of past articles may remain available to the field. 


CALENDAR OF EVENTS

November 17, 1998 The National Association of Seed Venture Funds is sponsoring a seminar entitled "Seed Investing as a Team Sport" to be held in Des Moines. The purpose of the seminar is to expand the attendees' understanding of business investing, help locate a team of like-minded investors in the region, and provide new tools to help optimize investment dollars. For more information, visit NASVF's website at http://www.nasvf.org

November 18-19, 1998 The Progressive Policy Institute is sponsoring a two-day conference "Understanding America's Transformation To a New Economy" in Washington, DC. Scheduled speakers include Vice President Al Gore and Sen. Tom Daschle. For more information, contact PPI at 202/608-1235.

Northwestern University Seeks Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives

Northwestern University invites nominations and applications for the new position of Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives. The person who fills this position will develop and implement initiatives that will enhance the University=s research enterprise.

Reporting to the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, the Associate VP will:

Coordinate overall strategy and management of faculty initiated start-ups;

Develop cross-campus, inter-school initiatives for university investment;

Provide leadership for the development, implementation, and communication of policies and programs affecting research and commercialization; and,

Illinois 1997 High Tech Yearbook Released

The Illinois 1997 High Tech Yearbook is a first-ever annual report documenting the people, organizations and infrastructure driving the high technology industry in Illinois. The report was recently released by the Illinois Coalition and KPMG Peat Marwick, in cooperation with the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago.

The Yearbook is the latest addition to a growing number of states or regions that are developing technology indexes.

The state's science and technology strengths are highlighted in the yearbook through a series of indicators tracked by the Illinois Coalition. The indicators identify and explain the ingredients and dynamics of Illinois' technology economy.

According to the report, in 1984 Illinois was tenth in the U.S. for the size of its technology economy. Today, it is fourth. The following outline some of the key indicators the report highlights:

Illinois’ New Web Site Links to Mfr Directory

The State of Illinois recently announced a new World Wide Web site that provides Illinois firms with a means to quickly locate the technical and business assistance available in Illinois.

The Illinois Coalition reports that perhaps the most innovative feature of the site is its linkage to the new on-line version of the Thomas Regional Directory Company’s industrial buying guide.  The buying guide covers the North Central Tri-State Region, which includes Illinois and parts of Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.  The directory can be used to conduct product and company information searches.

The site can be reached at: http://www.ncsa.uiuc.edu/illcoalition