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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Forum Calls Upon Business, Higher Ed To Advance Math & Science Education

If the U.S. is to sustain its international competitiveness, national security and the quality of life for its citizens, then it must make significant improvements in the participation of all students in mathematics and science, says a new report from the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF).

The report, A Commitment to America's Future: Responding to the Crisis in Mathematics and Science Education, points to the lack of holistic, system-wide solutions in the U.S. as one source of inefficiency in math and science education and recommends cohesive, long-term strategies to alleviate pressing systematic problems. It also challenges business, education and policy leaders to commit to new collaborative roles to advance the development of state education systems extending from pre-kindergarten to higher education and into the workforce.

Useful Stats: Industrial R&D Performance by State, 1998-2001

The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently released a report detailing a full range of statistics yielded by its 2001 Survey of Industrial Research and Development. Data show 31 states experienced a 10 percent or greater increase in their industrial R&D performance over a four-year period, 1998 to 2001. Twelve states experienced declines during the same period.

People

Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher appointed Denise Bentley to serve as liason to the Louisville Metro and Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government councils under the Governor’s Office for Local Development. The position is newly created.

Eric Davis, president of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corp, resigned last week.

The Purdue Research Foundation appointed Kathy DeGuilio-Fox to serve as interim executive director of the Purdue Technology Center of Northwest Indiana.

Jack Faris is the new president of the Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association.

People

Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher appointed Denise Bentley to serve as liason to the Louisville Metro and Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government councils under the Governor’s Office for Local Development. The position is newly created.

People

Eric Davis, president of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corp, resigned last week.

People

The Purdue Research Foundation appointed Kathy DeGuilio-Fox to serve as interim executive director of the Purdue Technology Center of Northwest Indiana.

People

Jack Faris is the new president of the Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association.

People

On Friday, President Bush announced his intention to nominate Michael D. Griffin, of Virginia, to be administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Dr. Griffin currently serves as Space Department Head at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Prior to that, he was president and chief operating officer of In-Q-Tel, Inc.

People

George "Mick" Stadler is the new CEO for the incubator at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

SSTI Editorial: States Respond to Call for Innovation

Last week's Digest reported on three reports that have been issued recently raising concerns about America's standing in the world in encouraging innovation. Each of the reports suggested stronger action on the part of the public and the private sector to ensure the U.S. will remain competitive.

Since the beginning of the year, the Digest has reported through its Tech Talkin' Govs series that the states are making investments for the future. This week, we devote this edition of the Digest to a sampling of how the governors are proposing to put money up to match their rhetoric.

Organizations Sound Alarm on U.S. Standing in Innovation

SSTI, like other organizations, found few S&T winners in the Administration's FY 2006 federal budget proposal (download SSTI's special budget issue at http://www.ssti.org/Digest/2005/FY06_Federal_Budget.pdf). Now, two organizations are sounding the alarm that the U.S.'s standing as the world leader in innovation is in danger of slipping, if it has not already begun.

New Hampshire Creates $100M Fund to Spur Job Creation

An initiative aimed at creating 2,500 new jobs throughout New Hampshire will offer low-interest loans to companies who commit to creating new jobs or expanding their current employment base in the state.

Gov. John Lynch, along with Citizens Bank New Hampshire President and CEO Thomas Metzger, recently announced the Citizens Job Bank Program, a $100 million fund that will offer loans at 2 percent below prime for a fixed rate of 3.5 percent.

According to the governor's office, borrowers must create at least one full-time job for every $40,000 borrowed. The terms of the loan will require that the specified jobs be created within three years after the funds are borrowed. The New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development will administer the program and certify that borrowers fulfill their job creation commitment.