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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.

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.

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.

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.

A new biotech-opolis in Quebec soon may serve as one of the best organized business centers for biotech, biopharmaceutical, and biocomputer companies in the world, government leaders hope.

Editor's Note and Commentary: The changes proposed by the Small Business Administration for the policy directive governing the administration of the $1.2 billion federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program are substantial. Some of the controversial changes proposed include blending STTR and SBIR dollars during Phase II, allowing agencies greater flexibility in setting award sizes, and creating the opportunity for impropriety in award selection.

The leading indicator of a metropolitan area's high technology success is a large gay population, according to Technology and Tolerance: The Importance of Diversity to High-Technology Growth, a new study published by the Brookings Institution's Center on Urban & Metropolitan Policy. The study's authors are Richard Florida of Carnegie Mellon University and Gary Gates of the Urban Institute.

Encouraging local sources of capital is a common element of most tech-based economic development efforts. The broad strategies to accomplish this typically include forums, investor groups, tax credits, CAPCOs, and public seed capital to fuel fund development.

After adjustments for inflation, Gross State Product (GSP) for the nation grew at an average annual rate of 4.0 percent from 1992 to 1999, according to estimated just released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), U.S. Department of Commerce. GSP measures value added in production.

New Mexico

Jim Tate has been named Science Advisor for the U.S. Department of Interior. Until his appointment, Dr. Tate served as Advisory Scientist for the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory.



Julia Wilson is the new Executive Director of the San Diego Telecom Council. She formerly was director of corporate and foundation relations for San Diego State University.

Julia Wilson is the new Executive Director of the San Diego Telecom Council. She formerly was director of corporate and foundation relations for San Diego State University.