SSTI Digest

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are seeking input on proposed changes to its conflict of interest policy. As multidisciplinary, public-private research teams have become more common, HHS standards to ensure objectivity have become more complex. The department is asking for recommendations that would increase transparency and streamline regulations. Comments are due by July 20. Read the announcement ...

Kansas is home to more than 20,000 green jobs and expects that number to reach 30,000 by 2012, according to a recent survey by the state Department of Labor. The survey of 6,000 Kansas employers reveals that job growth in renewable energy, energy efficiency will drive green job numbers over the next two-to-three years. The biggest employment gains are expected in the renewable energy sector, which is expected to grow by 121 percent. Read the report ...

Entrepreneurship in the U.S. reached a 14-year high in 2009, according to a new study. The Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity, which tracks national and state entrepreneurship rates, found that 340 new businesses were created for every 100,000 adult residents each month during 2009. Oklahoma and Montana led the nation with 470 new businesses per 100,000 adults. Read the report ...

The Research & Technology Development (RTD) Program, a flagship program of the Washington Technology Center has helped fill a critical role in enhancing Washington state's efforts in commercializing research by bringing companies and university researchers together. In SSTI's exclusive interview, Chris Coleman shares valuable insight on how the program continues to produce impressive returns after nearly two decades. Download the interview ...

The State of Washington led the country in 2007 in federal funding for industrial research and development (R&D), receiving $3.27 billion, according to the latest numbers from the National Science Foundation (NSF). While 42.3 percent of total federal R&D funding supported industrial R&D, 69.5 percent of federal funding in Washington went to private companies. Arizona, Maine, Connecticut, Nevada and Texas all received more than 65 percent of their federal R&D dollars in industrial support. Trends over the past six years indicate that industrial R&D is becoming a more important target for federal R&D investment.

The NSF's Federal Funds for Research and Development series illustrates trends in the federal government's funding obligations for science and engineering R&D. The series tracks federal support to government agencies, academic institutions, research centers, state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, as well as private companies. It includes detailed information on funding agencies and research performers by state.

 JumpStart Inc. invites applications for the position of president, JumpStart Advisors. This is an exciting opportunity for a business leader who has significant experience in providing direct consulting services, as well as managing multiple consulting project teams, and would like to lead a nationally significant effort that has the promise to transform the way regions think about their innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Patrick Draper has been appointed as president and CEO of the Toronto Region Research Alliance.

Arlene Garrison has been appointed as vice president of University Partnerships at Oak Ridge Associated Universities.

Innovate Texas Foundation joined the Texas Tech University System and The Wind Alliance to announce the formation of the National Institute for Renewable Energy, an independent public-private collaboration that will work to solve key scientific and technology challenges facing the wind power industry.

"Ensuring that there is a clear economic development benefit as part of the criteria for awarding a proposal [is a best practice]." - Chris Coleman

Click here to listen to SSTI's Interview with Chris Coleman of the Washington Technology Center

Despite receiving some bipartisan support, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 failed to attract enough support to pass in the House on Wednesday. As a suspension, the bill required support from two-thirds of the House, but fell short in the final tally, 261-148. The reintroduced bill contained a 50 percent cut in the funding path from the previous version and shortened the authorization period for its programs from five years to three years. The future of the COMPETES Act is unclear, but Science and Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) plans to continue work on the bill. Read more ...

On Monday, the Senate Banking Committee voted to amend language in the financial reform bill that had drawn criticism from many organizations supporting entrepreneurship and equity investment. In its original form, the bill would have raised the net worth requirements for accredited investors, significantly reducing the pool of angel investors and capital for early-stage businesses (see the April 14, 2010 issue). A vote is expected later this week. Read the Committee press release ...

At the close of the 2010 legislative session in Minnesota this week, several initiatives supporting the state's tech-based economic development agenda were enacted into law. To help make the state more competitive, the Minnesota Science and Technology Authority was established to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for growing the state's economy through investments in science, technology and innovation.

The 18-member S&T Authority will coordinate public and private efforts to procure federal funding for collaborative R&D projects, work with nonprofit institutions in promoting collaborative efforts to respond to federal funding opportunities, and provide commercialization assistance to Minnesota businesses. A comprehensive science and technology economic development plan will be presented to lawmakers by Jan. 15, 2011. SF 2510 establishing the S&T Authority is available at: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/getbill.php?session=ls86&number=SF2510&version=list.

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle recently signed several economic development bills intended to spur job creation and high-tech development. The new legislation authorizes additional job creation tax credits, expands the state's enterprise zones program and establishes new incentives for angel investors. Key among the bills is Wisconsin's CORE Jobs Act, which creates and expands a number of tax credits, loan and grant programs for manufacturing, R&D and venture capital investment. Bill sponsor State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) noted that the CORE Jobs Act should help commercialize new technologies and convert existing factories into green energy manufacturing and production businesses.