During the Clinton Global Initiative's (CGI) America meeting, CGI announced 51 new projects that will create jobs and spur economic growth in the U.S.. On the final day of the conference, former President Clinton discussed the impact that these commitments will have when fully funded and implemented.
The clean economy employs over 2.6 million workers spread across a diverse group of industries, according to a new report from the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Instition in partnership with Battelle's Technology Partnership. In Sizing the Clean Economy: A National and Regional Green Jobs Assessment, the researcher developed, analyzed and commented on a detailed database of establishment-level employment statistics related to clean economy industries at the national, state and regional levels.
Gov. Donald Carcieri signed legislation last week expanding the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (EDC) board and allowing the state to offer the incoming EDC director a three-year contract that extends past the governor’s term, which ends next January. The changes are expected to boost the agency’s effectiveness and attract better candidates for the state’s top economic development position.
Since the 1990s, Maine has done an excellent job investing in R&D to establish a robust research capacity, but little has been done in terms of building a capacity for innovation and entrepreneurship, according to the 2010 Science and Technology Action Plan. The report identifies three main strategies to position the state as a global competitor and create high-paying jobs and economic prosperity.
All eyes are on New Jersey and Virginia as newly elected governors soon will unveil action plans and proposals for their first year in office. During the recent gubernatorial campaigns, Governors-elect Chris Christie and Bob McDonnell both outlined plans to transform their respective states’ economies and create high-paying jobs through targeted investments in renewable energy. The following is an overview of the energy proposals outlined during the campaigns.
New Jersey
The fox pattern on his tie playfully conveyed Josh Lerner knew exactly where he stood as he looked out over the standing-room-only ballroom that served as the henhouse for SSTI’s annual conference two weeks ago. The audience, comprised mostly of practitioners from state, local, nonprofit and university-based TBED organizations, played its role as hens well – some nervous, some angry, all in fidgety anticipation of what the Harvard Professor was likely to say.
Texas leaders have fully embraced the importance that strongly supported top-tier research universities can serve for attracting and retaining high-wage technology companies and as drivers for future economic growth. With Tuesday’s passage of Proposition 4 by a solid 56.7 percent majority, it is evident the voting population of the Lone Star State gets it as well.
The first third of the current fiscal year was over before Pennsylvania leaders could agree on a $27.8 billion FY10 budget that sharply reduces spending across many areas of community and economic development. It does boost funding for basic education to historic levels, however.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed the final FY10 budget bills last week, cutting nearly $1.9 billion in spending and warning state agencies of a possible 20 percent cut in state spending next year. To help fill the FY10 deficit, the enacted budget incorporates $1 billion in federal stimulus funds. With less than $600 million in federal funds available next year, the state could face a shortfall ranging from $800 million to $1 billion, reports The Detroit News.
The Chinese government announced last Friday the launch of 20 venture capital funds, designed to target investments in high-tech sectors within their national economy. As outlined by China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), these sectors include the medical and pharmaceutical industries, information technology, energy conservation and environmental protection, and energy production.
Tuesday’s Republican victories in the gubernatorial races for New Jersey and Virginia mean a shift in political power for both states. With current fiscal conditions continuing to press state revenues lower and unemployment rolls higher, much of the new governors’ attentions could pass over tech-based economic development policies. Alternately, increased investments in TBED may be exactly what are needed right now to help create high-wage jobs in both states.
Marking the first decline in a decade and despite a then-healthy economy, federal R&D for the Department of Energy (DOE) declined from FY05 to FY06. The percentage of total federal R&D obligations dedicated to DOE R&D also declined from FY05 to FY06.
Complete descriptions of this opportunity and others are available at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm.
Capturing national attention for initiating successful programs to sustain the nation’s position as a global leader for innovation and competitiveness, six organizations were named recipients of SSTI’s 2009 Excellence in TBED Award. The third annual awards follow a nationwide competition recognizing outstanding achievements in tech-based economic development (TBED) emphasizing impact, strategic value and replicability.
"Investment in science, technology and innovation is increasingly being seen by African countries as an essential element in responding to the continent's socio-economic development needs and challenges," according to a statement by Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency to announce the release of the African Innovation Outlook 2010.
While New York City's universities and research centers are among the country's top institutions for performing scientific research, the city’s institutions have not become the drivers of entrepreneurship and economic development witnessed in other regions of the U.S, according to a new report from the Center for an Urban Future. Additionally, the high cost of real estate and lack of affordable laboratory space inhibits local entrepreneurs from succeeding and deters high-tech investment.
If we have no map, does that mean we’re lost? Hardly. But given the economic turmoil affecting every crossroad of the country, some folks may be having a hard time seeing which road leads in the right direction. This year’s conference will feature two speakers at the forefront of TBED research who will share their insight on how states and regions can prepare themselves for the challenges ahead.
Developing and implementing a successful TBED initiative that generates substantial economic gain for a state or region is no easy feat. SSTI’s third annual Excellence in TBED awards recognize outstanding achievements in tech-based economic development from innovative programs across the nation, emphasizing impact, strategic value and replicability.
SSTI’s Annual Conference offers a rich and rewarding slate of professional development opportunities for seasoned conference veterans and first-timers alike. Each year, SSTI helps connect TBED professionals to the ideas and perspectives making a difference in the regional innovation. The conference also provides a vibrant atmosphere where attendees can connect to the leading thinkers and practitioners in the field. You can expect:
SSTI’s 13th Annual Conference is made possible by the support of our host sponsor, the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation (KTEC), and the generous support of our national conference sponsors. SSTI extends its appreciation and thanks to the following exemplary organizations serving as our national sponsors:
Missouri Small Business Technology Development Center invites applications for an associate state specialist (counselor). This position serves as a statewide specialist to provide leadership, expertise, and training to University faculty and staff, and private sector clients with SBIR/STTR.