Congress Gets Three-Part PACE Package to Address U.S. Competitiveness
Innovation and national competitiveness increasingly are capturing the attention of Congress as the 2006 legislative agenda takes shape. The latest addition is a bipartisan package of three bills introduced to address 20 recommendations outlined in Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future, a National Academies of Science report issued last October.
R&D Spending to Rise in 2006; Inflation to Outpace Fed Support
Total funding for research and development is expected to increase by approximately 2.9 percent to $329 billion in 2006, according to the joint Battelle-R&D Magazine annual forecast. The projected increase, from the estimated $320 billion spent in 2005, covers all R&D expenditures across industry, government and academia.
Fresno Must Transform into a Creative Economy or Get Left Behind, Report Says
To survive economically in an innovation-based economy, Fresno needs to foster the creativity of its people and attract others into the population, says a recent report from the Fresno Creative Economy Council. While encouraging creativity to spur innovation and economic growth has captured the attention of cities and regions across the continent, how to accomplish that goal is less clear for many. Civic leaders for the central California community of 460,000 believe they have charted an achievable course.
Southern Growth Seeks Input on Innovation Survey
Southern Growth Policies Board has launched its 2006 online survey at http://www.southern.org/main/surveyintro.shtml to poll Southern citizens on their attitudes towards innovation and technology, and their role in the economic future of the region. All Digest readers within the Southern Growth's service-area are encouraged to share their opinions and ideas on strategies for increasing the role of innovation and technology in southern businesses, universities and governments, and the potential of technology to create jobs and wealth in the South. The 12-question survey should take only a few minutes to complete.
People
Bill Badger announced he will resign as president and CEO of the Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corp. to take an executive position with M&T Bank.
People
Bill Badger announced he will resign as president and CEO of the Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corp. to take an executive position with M&T Bank.
People
Roger Biagi was named to the newly created position of director of government relations at the New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research.
People
The North Carolina Solar Center promoted Steve Kalland to the position of executive director.
People
Thomas Persons Sr., president and CEO of the South Carolina Technology Alliance, was appointed to the newly created South Carolina Venture Capital Authority.
People
Toucan Capital announced the appointment of Dr. Phillip Singerman as a new Venture Partner.
Fully-Funded MEP in FY05?
The roller coaster ride that represents Washington's manufacturing policies and fiscal investments took a turn that was welcomed by MEP supporters when the House subcommittee for Commerce, Justice, and State appropriations last week decided to fund the Manufacturing Extension Partnership at $106 million in fiscal year 2005.
AMA Calls for Gov't Registry of All U.S. Clinical Trials
Many states and communities across the country want to be leaders in the much anticipated bio-based economic boom. Even more companies are hoping to create the next great multi-billion-dollar pill. For a few firms, that push for profits may be too great, replacing the original focus on human health or environmental issues.
Commission Offers Guidelines to Strengthen European Research
Scientific research, technological development and innovation are the heart of a knowledge-based economy, and in order to strengthen this sector in Europe, the European Union’s (EU) research budget needs to be doubled, according to a new plan released by the Commission of The European Communities.
Virginia Launches $12M Rural Broadband Initiative
One of the more interesting uses of funds from the national tobacco settlement with the states, Virginia officials announced a $12 million economic development and broadband technology infrastructure initiative to serve more than 25 towns, cities and counties of rural Virginia.
Tech Council News
Convergence Group Formed in Silicon Valley
Joint Venture: Silicon Valley, the lead regional economic development organization for the well known valley, helped announce the formation of the Technology Convergence Consortium. Outlined in Joint Venture's Next Silicon Valley strategic plan, the new group's purpose will be to provide a forum enabling the valley's entrepreneurs to take advantage of the interdisciplinary nature of the fields of biotechnology and nanotechnology.
S&T Job Opportunities
Two new posting were added to SSTI's online Job Corner this week. Brief descriptions are provided below. More information is available at: http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm
People
Former Michigan Governor John Engler, also chairman of SSTI's Board of Directors, has been chosen to serve as president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers. He will assume his new position on Oct. 1, 2004.
People
Former Michigan Governor John Engler, also chairman of SSTI's Board of Directors, has been chosen to serve as president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers. He will assume his new position on Oct. 1, 2004.
People
Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism commissioner W. Glenn Cornell has announced his retirement, effective June 30. Craig Lesser is Gov. Sonny Perdue's recommendation as Cornell's successor.
People
Brian Mefford will assume the position of president and CEO of Kentucky's Center for Information Technology Enterprise.
People
The NanoBusiness Alliance has named Sean Murdock to serve as its new executive director.
People
Baiju Shah is the new president of the Cleveland's BioEnterprise Corp., succeeding Matt Jennings.
People
The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology has named Sheri Stickley interim executive director, following the resignation of William Sibley.
People
Pete Tartline has resigned his position as president and CEO of the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania.
People
Tina Van Camp has been named the director of the South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development.