The Sacramento Bee recently ran a story showing there is a downside for California being home of the Silicon Valley phenomenon: 20 percent of the 6,600 computer and telecommunications positions within the California state government are vacant. Some local governments are reporting even higher vacancy rates.
Fulfilling a promise made in his 1999 State of the State Address, Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne recently announced the formation of the Idaho Science and Technology Advisory Council. The council’s first responsibility will be to develop a state science and technology strategic plan. The Idaho Department of Commerce will provide staff support for the council.
Research and development (R&D) spending in the US by foreign-owned companies has increased to more than $17 billion annually and accounts for nearly 15 percent of total company-funded R&D in the United States, according to Globalizing Industrial Research and Development — Update, a new report released by the US Department of Commerce Office of Technology Policy.
The following people in the science and technology field have made or announced career changes recently:
Pat Valente has been named the Deputy Director of the Technology Division of the Ohio Department of Development.
David Weiss is leaving his post as Maryland State Technology Coordinator.
Pat Valente has been named the Deputy Director of the Technology Division of the Ohio Department of Development.
David Weiss is leaving his post as Maryland State Technology Coordinator.
Maine Governor Angus King appointed Dr. Janet Yancey-Warona to serve as the Director for the new Maine Technology Institute.
Curious who will shape technological innovation in 21st century? Technology Review magazine has developed for the first time a list of the top 100 innovators under the age of 35.
The list, nicknamed the TR100, was compiled by a panel of 24 judges including 3 Nobel laureates, 2 university presidents, and representatives of scientific and research organizations, businesses, venture capitalists, and the media.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled a new Internet webpage which provides public access to the Department's vast amount of material on agricultural biotechnology issues.
Venture capital investments for the third quarter of 1999 (3Q 1999) passed $9 billion, pushing the year’s total already above $21 billion, according to the latest PricewaterhouseCoopers Money Tree™ Survey. For comparison, investments reported for all of 1998 were under $14 billion.
The Manufacturing Modernization Forum (ModForum), located near Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a trade association for groups who help smaller manufacturers improve their productivity and performance. The not-for-profit organization seeks applications from qualified candidates to fill the position of President/CEO. Resumes will be accepted until November 24.
Since running the article on federal and congressional fellow programs in last week’s Digest, SSTI has learned of two more opportunities and resources for helping to influence or improve development of public policy in science and technology issues:
Earlier this year, Michigan initiated plans to spend $1 billion over the next 20 years for life sciences research, development, and commercialization. With this commitment, Michigan became the first state to use its tobacco settlement funds to bolster technology-based economic development programs.
Other states and localities are considering using their share of the tobacco settlement funds for science and technology programs as well.
As the first Advanced Technology Program (ATP) projects approach their 10th anniversary, many in government, industry and academia are asking the question: Is the program working?
The American Institute of Physics (AIP) and the American Physical Society (APS) are offering qualified scientists the opportunity to spend a year on Capitol Hill as Congressional Science Fellows. The fellowships provide a mechanism for scientists to make a unique, personal contribution to national R&D policy by applying their knowledge to science-related policy matters while working as a staffer for a Member of Congress or congressional committee.
In this off-year election, there were only a few races that are significant to the S&T community.
Democrat Paul Patton, incumbent Governor of Kentucky, easily won re-election over three contenders. Patton becomes the first Kentucky Governor to be elected to a second term since 1800.
An educated workforce is one of the elements required for a knowledge economy, but not all of the critical jobs require a Ph.D. or even a B.A. Few would dispute, though, the importance of successfully completing high school.
Seats Available for Developing Angel Organizations, Financing TBED Workshops
Randy Burge has announced his resignation as director of the New Mexico Department of Economic Development's Office of Science and Technology. Mike Orshan will serve as acting director beginning Sept. 29.
Randy Burge has announced his resignation as director of the New Mexico Department of Economic Development's Office of Science and Technology. Mike Orshan will serve as acting director beginning Sept. 29.
Donald Jakeway will be the new president and CEO for the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
Joseph James is the new chief operating officer for the South Carolina Department of Commerce.
The Florida Venture Forum named Robin Kovaleski as the first executive director for the organization.
Former U.S. Congresswoman Connie Morella has been sworn in as the US Ambassador to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
SSTI extends its sympathies to the family of Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon. During his interrupted term in office, Gov. O'Bannon proved to be a strong friend of tech-based economic development efforts in the state.