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Last year, Congress authorized $5.9 billion in new spending on research, education and entrepreneurship as part of the Bush Administration’s decade-long $50 billion American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI). Though Congress did not appropriate a significant amount of new funding to match this authorization, many remain committed to the goals of the ACI.

A strong research base, a climate where entrepreneurs can thrive, access to risk capital, and a network of partner organizations have long been considered by policymakers and practitioners the formula for success and sustainability in technology-based economy. The Tennessee Technology Development Corporation (TTDC) unveiled its new strategic plan last week, leveraging these resources to build the state’s economic development portfolio by strengthening the science and technology sectors.
 

The U.S. lags behind many of its G-20 partners in clean energy finance and investment, according to a new study by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Many factors, including a tight credit market and the lack of a strong national framework for clean energy funding, are cited as contributing to the U.S.'s declining position in the ranks for total investment and investment intensity. As of 2009, China has taken the U.S.'s former top spot in overall clean energy investment, dedicating $34.6 billion to the sector. Spain leads the G-20 nation's in investment intensity, while the U.S. ranks 11th.

Sweden replaced Denmark as the world's most networked economy and the U.S. fell two spots to fifth place in the Global Information Technology Report 2009-10 rankings. The report, released last week by the World Economic Forum, finds that the U.S. boasts a very conducive information and communication technologies (ICT) environment because of intensive competition, excellent infrastructure and top-notch education. Aspects of the U.S. performance which show margins for improvement include high tax rates, excessive red tape, and a poor general regulatory framework.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last week signed a bill creating a sales tax exemption for equipment used by clean-tech manufacturers — a measure the governor hopes will attract entrepreneurs investing in the clean energy sector. SB 71 is part of the governor's $500 million jobs initiative announced during his State of the State address that aims to train up to 140,000 workers create 100,000 jobs.

David Onley, Ontario's Lieutenant Governor, announced earlier this month a plan to add space in colleges and universities for 20,000 students this year with the goal of raising Ontario's postsecondary enrollment rate to 70 percent. The plan also includes the creation of a new Ontario Online Institute and the development of a strategy to improve the quality of Ontario's postsecondary education system with input from leaders in education and business.

The United Kingdom's new space agency will begin operations on April 1. The UK Space Agency will consolidate the U.K.'s civil space efforts and spur activity within the aerospace technology sector. A new $60.3 million International Space Innovation Centre within the European Space Agency facility also was announced. More information is available at: http://www.bnsc.gov.uk

The Minnesota legislature has passed a 25 percent tax credit for individuals and pooled funds that invest in early-stage high-tech businesses as part of a new jobs bill. Up to $17 million in tax credits will be available in FY11, with $12 million a year available in FY12 and afterward. The credits apply to investments in companies with fewer than 25 employees and less than $2 million in private capital.

SSTI's interview with Bob Starzynski of Innovation Works' Innovation Adoption Grant Fund, 2009 recipient of the Excellence in TBED Award in the category Improving Competitiveness of Existing Industries, provides an honest, in-depth account of best practices and lessons learned that earned this program national recognition. Click here to listen to the interview and learn more about the program.

Bryan Allinson has joined Ohio University as director of technology transfer.

SSTI Gives Readers Closer Look at the Data