SSTI Digest

Meeting short-term budget demands are consuming more and more of state, local and academic tech-based economic development practitioners' time. However, keeping an eye on the long-range funding picture is critical for sustained success. One of the most important federal sources for supporting the research enterprise is the National Science Foundation (NSF). At NSF Director Rita Colwell's request, the public has the opportunity to participate in developing NSF's strategic vision and plan for the next six years. "The views of the science and engineering community and the public are very important to us and will be reflected in the final draft of the updated plan," Dr. Colwell writes. While comprising only four percent of the total federal research and development budget, NSF funds one-fifth of all federal support for basic research and 40 percent of non-life-science basic research at U.S. academic institutions. In addition, Congress has committed to doubling the NSF budget within five years so the agency's role is likely to grow in importance for state and local tech-based economic…

The National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) has begun a review of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) that will examine the program's mission and execution. MEP requested the independent analysis. As part of the study, NAPA will consider whether there are barriers that prevent small firms from obtaining technical and business advice they need to improve innovation, productivity and competitiveness. NAPA will then identify business models for providing services. The report is scheduled to be completed in February 2004. NIST is asking interested parties to comment on the study by going to http://www.napawash.org/pc_government_performance/ongoing_nist.html

G. Michael Alder has been named executive director of the Biotechnology Association of Alabama. Thomas Anderson is the new director of the Automation Alley Technology Center in Michigan. Colorado Governor Bill Owens has appointed Tim Fritz as the director of the Office of Aerospace and Aeronautics. Hempstead (New York) Mayor James Garner was elected to serve as the 61st president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors during its annual meeting this week. The Arlington Technology Incubator (Texas) has selected Geoffrey Grant to serve as the new director beginning July 1. The Charleston Gazette reports Ron Hatfield, director of jobs development for the West Virginia University Institute of Technology's Technology Research and Development Corp., will also serve as the new executive director of the Upper Kanawha Economic Development Corp. Joseph James has announced his resignation as head of the Prince George's Economic Development Corporation (Maryland). The new executive director of the Virginia Piedmont Technology Council is Gail Milligan…

G. Michael Alder has been named executive director of the Biotechnology Association of Alabama.

Thomas Anderson is the new director of the Automation Alley Technology Center in Michigan.

Colorado Governor Bill Owens has appointed Tim Fritz as the director of the Office of Aerospace and Aeronautics.

Hempstead (New York) Mayor James Garner was elected to serve as the 61st president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors during its annual meeting this week.

The Arlington Technology Incubator (Texas) has selected Geoffrey Grant to serve as the new director beginning July 1.

The Charleston Gazette reports Ron Hatfield, director of jobs development for the West Virginia University Institute of Technology's Technology Research and Development Corp., will also serve as the new executive director of the Upper Kanawha Economic Development Corp.

Joseph James has announced his resignation as head of the Prince George's Economic Development Corporation (Maryland).

The new executive director of the Virginia Piedmont Technology Council is Gail Milligan.

Tucked in the fine print of Illinois' budget bills was language to merge seven financing agencies, according to the June 11 edition of The Bond Buyer. Among the agencies included in the merger are the Illinois Development Finance Authority, the Illinois Research Park Authority (inactive), the Illinois Community Development Authority and the Illinois Rural Bond Bank.