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SSTI Members

To sustain  our work to support state and regional innovation initiatives across the country, SSTI relies on the generosity of those members of the community who share our vision of serving as a center for advancing best practices across the field. We greatly appreciate their support. We also invite others equally committed to using smart programs to combine the four pillars of science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship to advance their own regional economies to join the list of leading organizations below.  

Recent Research: Is innovation district success the enemy of resilience?

Thursday, January 29, 2026
Innovation districts have become a central tool in contemporary economic development, promoted for their ability to revitalize underused urban areas, attract high-growth firms, and strengthen regional competitiveness. Influenced by early work from Bruce Katz and colleagues at the Brookings Institution, many districts were intentionally located in formerly industrial or disinvested neighborhoods and initially delivered clear economic gains.

Pew finds partisanship growing in American support for science

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

In the 30 years SSTI has been in existence and the 85 years of concerted federal focus on scientific discover and innovation, the priority of public-private R&D investment has been overwhelmingly nonpartisan. A recent report from the Pew Research Center confirms the cold-war, global competitiveness arguments for U.S science and technology still hold sway across political parties, but fissures in who should pay and who should work on science and tech efforts are beginning to grow. 

Disruption is echoing in empty university halls

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Vacant storefronts and empty downtown office buildings aren’t the only ways the pandemic-accelerated, technology-stimulated move to remote work has negatively impacted community cohesiveness, commitment to place, and economic opportunity resulting from aggregation. According to a newly released analysis of university campuses, the disconnection and under-utilization problem extends deeper into regions than many may realize. 

TBED Works: "Sticky" student innovators provide opportunity for longer relationships, larger outcomes

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Campus entrepreneurship programs can lead to decades-long collaborations between academia and industry. Students may learn how to do their very first pitch deck. Or make a poster presentation. Or stand in front of a group of investors. And then go on to found a successful company (or two, or three) and create jobs for people in the area.

Research and TBED take hits in FY2026 skinny budget request

Thursday, May 15, 2025

The White House Fiscal Year 2026 discretionary budget proposal outlines a significant shift in federal spending priorities, proposing substantial reductions in innovation and non-defense discretionary funding, which, if enacted by Congress, would impact scientific research and regional economic development support across numerous federal agencies. 

Webinar Library

Webinars are a great way to stay up to date on the newest developments. They offer timely information from experts and have the flexibility of being viewed at your convenience without the expense of travel. SSTI's Webinar Library puts SSTI webinars at your fingertips — when you want them.

Events hosted by SSTI's Tech-based Economic Development Community of Practice are available to the general public at no cost. Most SSTI webinars are available for free to members and for purchase by others. 

 

NIH R&D budget is healthy in FY 2026 budget

Thursday, January 29, 2026

The Institutes and Centers of the National Institutes of Health receive an increase of $301 million in budget authority for a new total of $47.216 billion in FY 2026, a figure that stands in sharp contradiction to the severe cuts recommended in the Administration’s request. Additionally, ARPA-H is to receive $1.5 billion. 

The Institutes and Centers of the National Institutes of Health receive an increase of $301 million in budget authority for a new total of $47.216 billion in FY 2026, a figure that stands in sharp contradiction to the severe cuts recommended in the Administration’s request. Additionally, ARPA-H is to receive $1.5 billion.

Recent Research: AI-exposed occupations and the changing job market for college graduates

Thursday, January 29, 2026

The breakthrough launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 sparked widespread questions about artificial intelligence and the future of work. How would generative AI reshape jobs and industries? Would certain roles become obsolete? How should education and training programs prepare workers for an AI-integrated workplace? To understand AI’s actual labor market impact, researchers examined unemployment patterns and hiring trends in AI-exposed occupations between 2022 and 2024 in a new study.

The breakthrough launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 sparked widespread questions about artificial intelligence and the future of work. How would generative AI reshape jobs and industries? Would certain roles become obsolete? How should education and training programs prepare workers for an AI-integrated workplace? To understand AI’s actual labor market impact, researchers examined unemployment patterns and hiring trends in AI-exposed occupations between 2022 and 2024 in a new study. Their findings suggest that labor market shifts in those fields began earlier than ChatGPT’s high-profile arrival might suggest.

TBED Works: NCBiotech supports early-stage startups that ultimately shine

Thursday, January 29, 2026
Most startups begin rich in vision but poor in financial support. Some founders have been known to go to great lengths to advance what they know to be worthwhile project. Asklepios BioPharmaceutical (AskBio), established in 2001, survived its earliest days with the help of bake sales held by families whose children had muscular dystrophy and believed in the startup's potential to develop treatments for the condition. When Lindy Biosciences was founded in 2017, its founder was not financially compensated for her time. However, after early assistance from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech), both companies now have  market values measured in billions of dollars.

Earmarks dominate HUD community development budget again in FY 2026

Thursday, January 29, 2026
Of the nearly $7 billion in the FY 2026 appropriations bill working its way through Congress for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, 51.7% is slated for “economic development initiatives (EDIs)” designated by members of Congress outside of any competitive process or assessment of need. The Community Development Block Grant program captures most of the rest of the funding at $3.3 billion. Separately, the Native American/Indian community block grant program is to receive $100 million.

Federal FY 2026 transportation budget cuts some R&D, saves entrepreneurial support

Thursday, January 29, 2026
With report language in the final budget package for FY 2026, Congress continues to thwart some of the administration’s efforts to shrink government operations and spending by fiat. In the Department of Transportation’s section, projects cannot be terminated without following established federal financial assistance regulations and established agency protocols. DOT must also inform Congress of how it will address the substantial backlog of projects, particularly of “awarded but not obligated competitive grant and community project funding.” This includes previously passed congressionally directed spending projects (earmarks) that the agency has not awarded, which is certainly one way to antagonize appropriators. Additionally, any “reprogramming requests must be submitted to the Committees on Appropriations no later than June 30, 2026.”

The state of US venture capital investment in four charts. How might your innovation startups fare if investment trends hold?

Thursday, January 15, 2026

With 2025 behind us, and some time for the data to stabilize, we can look back at VC activity and try to understand what it means for TBED efforts going forward. The VC storyline of 2025 should be familiar to anyone who has been following investment news. Record funding rounds, huge amounts of capital deployed, questions of an AI bubble. Where amongst the big flashy lights of AI mega-deals do we find the subtlety and nuance that informs TBED investor activity and policy?

With 2025 behind us, and some time for the data to stabilize, we can look back at VC activity and try to understand what it means for TBED efforts going forward. The VC storyline of 2025 should be familiar to anyone who has been following investment news. Record funding rounds, huge amounts of capital deployed, questions of an AI bubble. Where amongst the big flashy lights of AI mega-deals do we find the subtlety and nuance that informs TBED investor activity and policy? Looking closely at historical trends and segmenting the data by deal size highlights what most companies seeking funding face and points to potential outcomes for 2026.

New benchmarking tool illuminates how AI is accelerating job market changes

Thursday, January 15, 2026

All too often, jobseekers and employers seem to exist in non-compatible realities. While jobseekers flood the job market with descriptions of their generalized skills in communication, leadership, and problem-solving to fill various roles in different sectors, employers are looking for the more specific skills that will get the job done, say the authors of a report from the Wharton School and Accenture. And they propose that AI is accelerating this shift from a role-based economy to a skills-based economy.

All too often, jobseekers and employers seem to exist in non-compatible realities. While jobseekers flood the job market with descriptions of their generalized skills in communication, leadership, and problem-solving to fill various roles in different sectors, employers are looking for the more specific skills that will get the job done, say the authors of a report from the Wharton School and Accenture. And they propose that AI is accelerating this shift from a role-based economy to a skills-based economy.

FSGG appropriations language favors innovation programs

Thursday, January 15, 2026

The Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill for FY 2026 passed the House of Representatives yesterday and now moves to the Senate where passage is also expected. The bill sets spending levels for several agencies supporting regional innovation, economic development, and investment. Foremost are the Treasury and Small Business Administration; selected highlights are provided below.

The Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill for FY 2026 passed the House of Representatives yesterday and now moves to the Senate where passage is also expected. The bill sets spending levels for several agencies supporting regional innovation, economic development, and investment. Foremost are the Treasury and Small Business Administration; selected highlights are provided below.

Useful Stats: Higher education R&D expenditures and intensity by state

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) expenditures grew in every state between Fiscal years (FYs) 2010 and 2024, rising 92% nationally over the 15-year period. However, when you adjust for inflation, five states and Puerto Rico instead experienced a real decline in HERD expenditures. Despite this broad growth, HERD expenditures remain highly concentrated, with five states having accounted for nearly 40% of all higher education R&D expenditures nationwide in FY 2024.

Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) expenditures grew in every state between Fiscal years (FYs) 2010 and 2024, rising 92% nationally over the 15-year period. Adjusted for inflation, five states and Puerto Rico instead experienced a real decline in HERD expenditures. Despite this broad growth, HERD expenditures remain highly concentrated, with five states having accounted for nearly 40% of all higher education R&D expenditures nationwide in FY 2024.

FY 26 Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations passes House

Thursday, January 8, 2026
Leadership in Congress has developed a plan to move all the FY 2026 budget appropriations bills before the end of the month. First up in a “compromise” package that includes, among other agencies, appropriations for the Departments of Commerce, NASA and the National Science Foundation. 1/8/26 UPDATE: The House passed the package on the afternoon of Jan 8. Instructions accompanying the bill provide insights into how Congress would like to see the agencies use the funding. Selected highlights for the TBED community are provided below.

Recent Research: How can states ensure effectiveness of R&D incentives?

Thursday, January 8, 2026

State R&D incentive programs such as tax credits are widely used to stimulate innovation, attract investment, and support long-term economic growth. But how do we know which programs truly increase R&D activity rather than simply subsidizing what companies would have done anyway?

State R&D incentive programs such as tax credits are widely used to stimulate innovation, attract investment, and support long-term economic growth. But how do we know which programs truly increase R&D activity rather than simply subsidizing what companies would have done anyway? A recent article by Elizabeth Gray and Alison Wakefield of The Pew Charitable Trusts discusses the role that rigorous evaluation plays in assessing program performance, refining incentive design, and informing better policy decisions.

A year of uncertainty: 2026 brings fiscally challenged budgets and 36 gubernatorial elections

Thursday, January 8, 2026

The new year begins with a layer of both fiscal and political uncertainty. For at least 18 states, it will be a year of change in political leadership. After several years of continuous revenue growth, states are crafting their Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budgets amid slower growth, rising costs, and heightened unease.

The new year begins with a layer of both fiscal and political uncertainty. For at least 18 states, it will be a year of change in political leadership. After several years of continuous revenue growth, states are crafting their Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budgets amid slower growth, rising costs, and heightened unease. At the same time, the 2026 gubernatorial campaign season also begins in earnest. More than three dozen governorships are on the November ballot, and at least 18 states (see map below) expect to elect a new governor due to an incumbent either being term-limited or choosing not to run for re-election.

TBED Works: MTI delivers on economic growth by supporting early-stage companies in targeted sectors

Thursday, January 8, 2026

The Maine Technology Institute’s core mission is to use innovation to spur the development of new products, processes, and companies that strengthen the state’s economy. Finishing its 25th year of operations, MTI solidly illustrates how a sustained, focused yet flexible and creative strategy can deliver this mission. MTI has disbursed $387 million across 4,350 distinct projects throughout Maine since its founding, and that funding has leveraged over $2.2 billion in private sector matching investment. 

The Maine Technology Institute’s core mission is to use innovation to spur the development of new products, processes, and companies that strengthen the state’s economy. Finishing its 25th year of operations, MTI solidly illustrates how a sustained, focused yet flexible and creative strategy can deliver this mission. MTI has disbursed $387 million across 4,350 distinct projects throughout Maine since its founding, and that funding has leveraged over $2.2 billion in private sector matching investment.

Useful Stats: Higher education R&D expenditures reach $117 billion in FY 2024

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Higher Education R&D expenditures jumped 8%, or nearly $9 billion, from fiscal year (FY) 2023 to 2024, reaching an all-time high of over $117 billion, reveals new Higher Education R&D (HERD) survey data. The funding sources of HERD expenditures remain proportionally unchanged from the prior year, with all sources increasing, and the federal government ($5 billion) and institution funds ($2.5 billion) accounting for the largest dollar increases.

Higher Education R&D expenditures jumped 8%, or nearly $9 billion, from fiscal year (FY) 2023 to 2024, reaching an all-time high of over $117 billion, reveals new Higher Education R&D (HERD) survey data. The funding sources of HERD expenditures remain proportionally unchanged from the prior year, with all sources increasing, and the federal government ($5 billion) and institution funds ($2.5 billion) accounting for the largest dollar increases.

Adjusted for inflation, overall HERD expenditures increased by 5%—the second largest year-over-year increase in the past decade—while all sources of funds except business increased.

Proposed biomanufacturing center may create competition among states

Thursday, January 8, 2026
The proposed Biomanufacturing Excellence Act of 2025 would establish a single National Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Center of Excellence within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). H.R. 6089 was introduced by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) with bipartisan cosponsors and paired with a Senate companion bill (S. 3188) led by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Ted Budd (R-NC). It authorizes $120 million in FY 2026 for NIST to conduct a competitive process to select one non-federal entity to build and operate the center. Eligible applicants include public-private partnerships, institutions of higher education, and multi-institution consortia. Because only a single awardee will be chosen, the proposed legislation likely sets up what is likely to be a stiff competition among many states which have made life sciences and manufacturing key elements of their innovation strategies.

Times Higher Education finds interdisciplinary research drives university innovation

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Serious birdwatchers know one finds the most variety in species where habitats collide, on the edges of domains. This also holds true for innovation, discovery, and scientific disciplines. Recent research shows that institutions that support interdisciplinary teams with strategic investments, institutional alignment, and collaborative ecosystems are more likely to create innovations that lead to patents, products, and companies. 

Serious birdwatchers know one finds the most variety in species where habitats collide, on the edges of domains. This also holds true for innovation, discovery, and scientific disciplines. Recent research shows that institutions that support interdisciplinary teams with strategic investments, institutional alignment, and collaborative ecosystems are more likely to create innovations that lead to patents, products, and companies.