SSTI Digest

Massachusetts' high tech economy was hammered by the economic equivalent of a nor’easter throughout much of 2002, according to a report released by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC). The Index of the Massachusetts Innovation Economy tracks nine industry clusters and 30 economic indicators and documents the declines experienced in the Massachusetts Innovation Economy, which is responsible for one quarter of all jobs in the state.

The data show that compared to last year unemployment is up, the state’s consumer confidence index is down having dropped more than 14 percent, and Massachusetts had only one initial public offering in 2002. Venture capital investments in Massachusetts also fell 36 percent in the first six months of 2002 compared to the first six months of 2001, dropping from $2.2 billion to $1.4 billion.

A strategy to make Maryland's Harford County a competitive jurisdiction for attracting and expanding technology ventures has been unveiled by the Northeastern Maryland Technology Council (NMTC). Offering an analysis of the county's technology resources and assets, the Harford County Strategic Plan is expected to serve as a "road map" to help guide policy efforts for the next 5-15 years.

The plan is a culmination of a year-long effort of coordination with public and private sectors and the Harford County Economic Development Advisory Board's Technology Subcommittee. More than 80 interviews were held with area educators, business leaders and organizations, and the findings of these interviews were compared with industry data in Harford County. The effort resulted in eight categories under which 83 specific actions were named for positioning the county as a center for technology growth and development.

The Digital Divide may be an oft-discussed topic in today’s economic development world, but questions still remain on how to reduce the phenomenon. Two recently released reports offer possible solutions as to how distressed communities might overcome the Digital Divide.

The first report, America’s Inner Cities Wired to Compete: A Report on Inner City Broadband Readiness and E-Business Technology Adoption, analyzes the availability of broadband services to inner-city businesses and considers the adoption of e-business technologies.

Released in November 2002 by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC), in partnership with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the report offers two major findings:

Complete job descriptions for both S&T positions listed below are available at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm.

CTC Looking to Recruit President The Columbus Technology Council (CTC), the leading technology membership and advocacy organization in central Ohio, is recruiting its first President. The Council seeks a president who will create strong and enduring relationships with key leaders in the Columbus business, institutional, and governmental communities. Desired qualifications include prior leadership in public/private initiatives, demonstrated successful leadership record in a technology-based company or related organization, and experience with technology-based economic development and membership organizations. Applications are due by Dec. 24, 2002.

Kevin Dorn has been named secretary of the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development by Gov.-elect Jim Douglas.

Kevin Harter is leaving his position as president of the Central Pennsylvania Technology Council to become senior vice president of the new Life Sciences Greenhouse of Central Pennsylvania.

Doug Rothwell, President and CEO of Michigan Economic Development Corp. until the end of Gov. Engler's administration in January, has accepted the position of executive director for worldwide real estate at General Motors Corp.

Pennsylvania Governor Mark Schweiker has been named President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. The Governor will assume his new position on Feb. 1.

Kevin Dorn has been named secretary of the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development by Gov.-elect Jim Douglas.

Kevin Harter is leaving his position as president of the Central Pennsylvania Technology Council to become senior vice president of the new Life Sciences Greenhouse of Central Pennsylvania.

Doug Rothwell, President and CEO of Michigan Economic Development Corp. until the end of Gov. Engler's administration in January, has accepted the position of executive director for worldwide real estate at General Motors Corp.

Pennsylvania Governor Mark Schweiker has been named President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. The Governor will assume his new position on Feb. 1.

Although only a few events remain for 2002, SSTI's web calendar of S&T items has brief descriptions and contact links for more than 120 regional or national conferences, meetings and workshops planned for 2003.

SSTI's calendar ranges from venture capital forums to workshops on how to secure federal technology funding for programs such as the Small Business Innovation Research program. Annual meetings for many associations involved with tech-based economic development also are included. The calendar is available at http://www.ssti.org/calendar.htm.

Suggestions for additional events for inclusion should be directed to ssti@ssti.org. Please note: events should be intended for a regional, national or international audience.

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: