SSTI Digest

The need for the creation of high-wage jobs through tech-based economic development continues to grow at a time when many states are finding it increasingly difficult to make the necessary investments to be true players in a knowledge-based economy.

At a time when most states begin preparing budgets for fiscal year 2004, further cuts are required to balance the current year's budgets in nearly half the states. Comparisons to the Great Depression of the 1930s have slipped into some of the discussion of just how severe the crisis is for most states.

To build the state’s economy and create opportunity, North Dakota Governor John Hoeven is launching Smart Growth, a host of programs linking education, job creation and career development to build the state’s economy and communities. The Governor announced his plan with release of the 2003-2005 executive budget.

Smart Growth includes funding for these initiatives:

What constitutes high tech employment? Through aggressive marketing of its annual reports, the AEA, formerly known as the American Electronic Association, has captured most of the media's attention around the country. While a very good report, AEA's Cyberstates only reports employment in its member industries, which represents just one-third of the nation's industrial R&D. The result is, when many people think of high tech, they only think of information and communication technologies (ICT).

A new biotech report funded by a private foundation finds Arizona possesses many of the essential elements needed to become a national leader in the biosciences. Now, all the state needs is at least 10 years and a $1.4 billion public-private investment, according to the report Platform for Progress: Arizona's Bioscience Roadmap.

The Flinn Foundation is counting on the encouraging findings of its report, the detailed roadmap therein, and the momentum of the planning process to help energize the entire state to make the necessary effort. The planning process was overseen by a 25-member committee of state, business, university and economic development leaders.

Earlier this week, the High Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) launched HiTechHawaii.com, the state's newest and most comprehensive high technology web portal. A collaboration with the Hawaii Technology Trade Association, the site provides a single point of access to information about Hawaii's technology industry, including business and technology resources, job listings, events and news articles.

HTDC will be responsible for monitoring and keeping HiTechHawaii.com up-to-date. Among other features, the portal provides helpful information on doing business in Hawaii, tax incentives, funding opportunities, and meetings and conventions resources. The site also has valuable search capabilities, including a direct search and link to HTDC's Technology Business Directory and TechJobs Hawaii.