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After nearly two years of discussion between the state legislature and the Governor’s office, Pennsylvania has enacted a plan for its $11 billion share of the national tobacco settlement. The final plan includes $160 million in one-time outlays for research and commercialization of life science technologies and a formula ensuring research gets nearly one-fifth of the total money received over the 25-year span of the settlement agreement.



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To strengthen Maine’s ability to compete in a knowledge-based economy, Governor Angus King proposed last year that the state create a $65 million endowment that would annually purchase and place a laptop in the hands of every seventh grade student in the state. A one-time $50 million state appropriation was to be matched by $15 million in private contributions. Interest off the endowment would have allowed every 7th-12th grader to own a laptop PC by 2007.

Representing ten percent of U.S. manufacturers and accounting for the largest trade surpluses of the non-defense sectors, the chemical industry remains an important contributor to the U.S. economy. Despite substantial growth in R&D investments by chemical companies during the past decade – R&D investment as a percentage of sales grew from 2.47 percent in 1980 to 4.70 percent in 1999 – the industry remains below the national average for several indicators of R&D expenditures.

Atlanta, Georgia

The Atlanta Journal and Constitution reported on June 20 that the 

Comment Period on the Policy Directive Extended In response to Congressional requests, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has reopened the comment period on the draft policy directive to guide agencies’ administration of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. Interested parties may now submit their comments to the SBA Office of Technology through July 23, 2001.

The Technology Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the National Medal of Technology program. The Medal, established by Congress in 1980 as part of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act, is presented annually by the President as the highest honor for technological achievement.

58 Inventions Also Offered by Health, Navy

Industrial research expenditures in the U.S. had a record single-year decline in 2002, according to the latest National Science Foundation (NSF) Survey of Industrial Research and Development. An inflation-adjusted decline of $8.6 billion was the largest-ever reported since the survey began in 1953. The 2002 tally, when measured in current dollars, also wins the ignoble distinction of reflecting the largest single-year absolute and percentage reduction at $7.7 billion and 3.9 percent, respectively.

One of the most critical elements needed for a tech-based economy is a strong higher education system that supplies a source of research ideas, new technologies and a skilled workforce. Studies have shown that individuals with college degrees earn more money, obtain better jobs, pay more taxes, and are more apt to perform volunteer work. Given higher education's important role, several states have been re-examining how higher education can play a larger role in their economy.

To encourage innovation in health care and speed the development of new medical technologies, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced last week it is forming an internal task force to weigh new ideas and promote new solutions.

Advocates for deregulating Kentucky's broadband industry argued doing so would result in increased rural access to high speed Internet services. They'll have the chance to prove it with Gov. Ernie Fletcher's signature this week on deregulation legislation, HB 627.

Financial success for any start-up tech firm more often depends on adequate financing and proper management than the specific technology, experts say. Two tech-based economic development organizations in Pittsburgh have formed a new alliance to offer entrepreneurial life science firms with an eye toward greater sustainability and profitability.

Concerns for wheat and organic markets remain, however

While state governments across the country are overwhelmingly in favor of health-related biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology has received a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. That may be changing - however slowly - according to new information released last week by the Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology.

Defense 2003 SBIR Phase II Awards

The Department of Defense (DoD) distributed $766.9 million in awards under fiscal year 2003 Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program competition. A total of 1,080 awards averaging more than $710,000 were made.

With the establishment of a $1 million trust fund to serve as seed money, the new Oklahoma Institute of Technology intends to position the state as a national leader in information technology, engineering, and biotechnology. Governor Frank Keating signed Senate Bill 694 into law June 8, creating the public-private collaboration. Tulsa World news reports indicate supporters of the institute anticipate raising a $100 million endowment for the project and securing additional state support.

Editor’s Note: Results of the 2000 Census indicate that the U.S. population is aging. The median age, at 35.3 years, is the highest ever, and those 62 years and older total almost 10 percent more than they did in 1990. In every state except West Virginia, the census shows an increase of at least 20 percent in the 35 to 54 age group. Twenty-seven states saw a more than 30 percent increase in that age cohort.