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.

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Useful Stats: Federal R&D Spending by State, Per Capita, 2000-2004

The National Science Foundation has released the 2004 results of its annual survey of Federal Funds for Research and Development series. The report provides a breakdown of federal R&D obligations by R&D and R&D plant for federal agency, type of performer, character of work, field of science and engineering, and geography. Estimates for 2005 and 2006 obligations are included for most statistical tables, with the exception of geographic distribution of funds. The most recent data available by state is for fiscal year 2004. Securing more federal R&D funds captivates significant attention from many state TBED initiatives. Tables 128-131 provide historical data by state from 1985-2004.

Website Launched along with 2007 Report on the Future of the South

Building on past reports calling for higher levels of educational achievement in the South, the 2007 Southern Growth Polices Board Report outlines a three-pronged strategy to aid the southern region in attaining its goal of building a globally competitive workforce. The annual Report on the Future of the South, released earlier this month, labels its new approach "Convene-Connect-Commit," addressing the process in detail. The report condenses information from many sources to illustrate the status of the Southern workforce. The authors reveal that, in 1980, 16 percent of the nation’s population 25 years and older had attained a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 14 percent in the South. However, in 2000, these numbers had risen to 24 percent for the nation and 20 percent for the South. While the percentage of degree attainment is rising, the gap is widening.

SSTI Conference Exhibit Space Sold Out

Fantastic Marketing Opportunities Still Available Excitement for SSTI's 11th annual conference is growing as the entire exhibit space is now sold out - several months before the event. There are, however, several other options available to build awareness of your TBED program and generate beneficial relationships with the nation's top state and regional TBED decision makers at this year's event. Learn how your organization can join with our current partners to take advantage of this powerful networking and outreach opportunity. Contact Noelle Sheets, SSTI director of membership services, at sheets @ ssti.org to discuss how an SSTI conference partnership can enhance your marketing strategy. SSTI would like to thank our current 2007 Conference Partners: Conference Kick-Off Breakfast:

SSTI Job Corner

Complete descriptions of the position openings described below are available at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm. The Edison Materials Technology Center (EMTEC), a collaborative technology development organization, is seeking an assistant director for the Southwest Central Ohio Procurement Technical Assistance Center (SWCO PTAC). The assistant director is responsible for providing counseling effort to the PTAC office in the Columbus region. Other duties include in-depth, one-to-one client government procurement counseling, conducting training events, preparing reports and budgets for funding agencies, maintaining client counseling records, and networking with various commercial and government agencies, as necessary. A bachelor's degree in science or arts is required.

TBED People

William Archey, CEO of AeA, announced he will retire in 2008. Clay Blair resigned as chairman of Kansas Bioscience Authority. Curtis Brown announced that he will resign as executive director of the Mason City Economic Development Corp., effective July 11, to become the economic development coordinator for the City of Ankeny, Iowa. Georgia Tech's Advanced Technology Development Center has named Jason Burr director of its Savannah office. Dr. Dean Chang has joined the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute as the new director of MTECH Ventures.

TBED People

William Archey, CEO of AeA, announced he will retire in 2008.

TBED People

Clay Blair resigned as chairman of Kansas Bioscience Authority.

TBED People

Curtis Brown announced that he will resign as executive director of the Mason City Economic Development Corp., effective July 11, to become the economic development coordinator for the City of Ankeny, Iowa.

TBED People

Georgia Tech's Advanced Technology Development Center has named Jason Burr director of its Savannah office.

TBED People

Dr. Dean Chang has joined the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute as the new director of MTECH Ventures.

TBED People

George Dycio was hired as an economic development specialist for the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council.

TBED People

John Gardner will be vice president for economic development and extension at Washington State University, effective July 1. Gardner has been the vice president for research and economic development at the University of Missouri system.