SSTI Digest

One of the exciting half-day pre-conference sessions at this years SSTI Annual Conference in Cleveland, Oct. 14-16, is tailored to organizations looking to get in on the action of partnering with federal laboratories across the country. Some of the brightest brains from the leadership of the federal laboratory system and state TBED organizations with successful fed lab experience will be at the session to provide specialized help for those in attendance. All registrants will have the opportunity to describe their technological and commercialization needs in advance, which will be used to generate the sessions content. Included in the sessions itinerary will be: An overview of various federal laboratory programs and partnerships; Roundtable discussions on how to create productive relationships between TBED organizations and federal laboratories; A discussion of working with labs associated with different agencies; How to effectively utilize the federal laboratories Technology Locator Service; and, Personal specialized assistance from both state TBED and federal laboratory representatives.

According to National Science Foundation (NSF) data released two weeks ago, companies spent in aggregate $247.7 billion on R&D expenditures performed in the U.S. in 2006. Leading the nation was California, with $58.4 billion in industrial R&D, followed by Michigan ($16.5 billion), Massachusetts ($15.6 billion), New Jersey ($14.6 billion), and Texas ($13.3 billion).   SSTI has prepared a table presenting the state rankings for industrial R&D performed in 2006, the per-state gross state product in 2006, and each state's industrial R&D intensity. The industrial R&D intensity is the ratio of industry-based R&D to the gross state product.   Using these calculations, Massachusetts experienced the largest industrial R&D intensity in 2006, at 4.64 percent. This was followed by Michigan (4.38 percent), Connecticut (4.04 percent), Washington (3.89 percent), and California (3.35 percent). The industrial R&D intensity for the U.S. as a whole was calculated to be 1.89 percent.  

SSTI will be holding its first poster session dedicated entirely to celebrating why states, regions, universities and related organizations engage in TBED. 

We want to hear your story to learn about the successes that keep you coming back to work day after day, the reason you believe that technology-based economic development is working in you community - the real faces behind all the data. With each poster, you help to strengthen the TBED community by providing needed information, expand your own network of professional contacts, and receive national recognition at SSTI's 12th Annual Conference.

By contributing a poster, you place your organization in the spotlight of the TBED community and join other SSTI members in joining together to build an arsenal of anecdotes backed by hard facts to serve as arguments and evidence for expanding or sustaining funding by your stakeholders.

State, regional and university technology-based economic development (TBED) is at a crossroads. Many initiatives are celebrating major chronologic milestones at the same time new TBED elements – such as incubators, grant programs, research parks, and equity funds – are popping up almost daily in more and more communities and universities.   Still a rapidly growing field, TBED practitioners and stakeholders are asking, “Where do we go from here?” The economy is changing ­ so are the challenges facing scientists, technologists, innovators and entrepreneurs. To stay ahead, every element of a regional innovation support system must become smarter and more efficient.   But how? We will have answers at SSTI’s 12th Annual Conference this fall. Our most complete conference yet, the premiere professional development experience for the community of organizations promoting innovation and entrepreneurship keeps getting better! Just look:

Each year, SSTI members assemble timely, relevant session topics offering practical information with lessons that can be directly applied to issues currently facing the TBED community. Rest assured that when you return from the conference, you will be equipped with fresh ideas to tackle your organization’s most pressing needs. SSTI uses a two-stage survey process during the summer months to develop the conference agenda, rather than having the agenda set by invitation or call for papers many months in advance. Given the breadth and diversity of interests and perspectives among SSTI’s membership, the slate of sessions is assured to offer more than one topic of interest for nearly every component of the TBED community.    Back by popular demand this year, SSTI is offering two full- and two half-day pre-conference sessions. This is your opportunity to learn what is working across the country to transform regional economies through science, technology and innovation. A separate registration fee is required to attend the pre-conference sessions.  

Keeping with the underlying theme of "Where Does TBED Go from Here?" for SSTI's 12th Annual Conference, David Wilhelm, founder and President of Woodland Venture Management, will provide the keynote address on the topic of making successful VC investments anywhere.

SSTI will be holding its first poster session dedicated entirely to celebrating why states, regions, universities and related organizations engage in TBED. Our goal is to have the best achievements in the field on display as posters at the conference. Each poster will profile a real success story providing hard evidence of how TBED investments are sustaining the nation’s position as a global leader for innovation and competitiveness – one local or regional project at a time. Poster session information can be found at: http://www.ssticonference.org/Conf08/posters.htm  

Join fellow SSTI conference attendees for an opening reception at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, located on the shore of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland. Just like the music it pays homage to, inside and out, the Rock Hall exudes coolness. In addition to celebrating the opening of SSTI’s annual conference, we will be joined by Ohio Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, director of the Ohio Department of Development to mark the 25th anniversary of Ohio’s Thomas Edison Program and the state’s sustained investment in a broader set of TBED strategies and programs.   The opening reception promises to be a wonderful pre-conference opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and network with conference attendees, speakers, and our local hosts over delicious cuisine, drinks, and light music. The opening reception is made possible by the support of more than a dozen Ohio TBED organizations.

Crisp, clean air, blue waters and autumn leaves are just a few reasons why fall is the best time to visit Northeast Ohio. Cleveland was ranked as the number one “Most Livable City” in the U.S. by the Economist in 2005, primarily because it has all the benefits of a major city without sacrificing quality of life. Cleveland+ is home to major research institutions and healthcare organizations; major league sports teams; world-class cultural institutions; and great museums and entertainment attractions. Also considered an up-and-coming food destination, Cleveland offers some of the best, elegant, unique and casual fare around. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to network and meet a few new friends over dinner. SSTI is organizing a dine-around Cleveland with small group reservations being held at several exclusive establishments around the city. Sign up at the conference registration desk. More information on Cleveland events is available at: http://www.ssticonference.org/Conf08/cleveland.htm

SSTI conference “regulars” know that this event is the field’s most stimulating and rewarding professional development investment one can make. Each year’s agenda provides new perspectives and approaches to dealing with common problems, new issues and the latest trends and challenges facing your efforts to encourage regional innovation. You can expect: In-depth examinations of some of the best state and regional approaches to cultivate a bright economic future. Unparalleled networking with the right people within the tech-based economic development community. Stimulating dialogue and thought-provoking exchange between great thinkers, old friends and new peers from across the country. Renewed energy and personal resolve to address the challenges of strengthening your state or local economy.

SSTI’s 12th Annual Conference is made possible by the support of our lead host sponsor, NorTech, a team of Ohio co-hosts, and the generous support of our national conference sponsors. SSTI extends its appreciation and thanks to the following exemplary organizations serving as our national sponsors: Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation Greater Oklahoma City Chamber GSP Consulting National Centers of Excellence (NCOE) Ben Franklin Technology Partners Georgia Research Alliance Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Maine Technology Institute (MTI)

Complete descriptions of these opportunities and others are available at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm.

The KTEC Pipeline is seeking a program director to work with its president to help sustain the KTEC Pipeline fellowship program and related entrepreneurial programming. This position assists the president in many areas, including cirriculum development, finanicial organization, program tracking, sponsorships, publications, alumini programming and outreach, mentor programming, and presenter/speaker recruitment. A bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in one of the following fields is required: entrepreneurial ventures, finance, program management, or public policy related to entrepreneurship or economic development.