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A recent Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) report ranks the U.S. last among 40 countries in progress toward creating an innovation-based economy over the past decade. The findings contradict several other studies that continue to depict the U.S. as the global leader in economic competitiveness. E-government, broadband, trade balance and corporate R&D were particularly weak areas for U.S. progress relative to other countries. ITIF warns that the U.S.

First budgets for new presidential administrations are often delayed from their regular February release as new staff within the agencies and White House get settled. The first Bush budget proposal in 2001, for instance, was not released until the 2nd week of April.

The Tennessee Technology Development Corporation (TTDC), the lead organization in Tennessee for technology-based economic development, is seeking a president and chief executive officer (CEO). This position is responsible for the overall direction and management of TTDC and its programs, including resource development, finances, contracts, compliance reporting and operational policies. He or she will work with a 22-member board of directors to establish and successfully implement a work plan that fulfills the organization's mission.

SSTI has an effective new learning tool for TBED policymakers and practitioners seeking guidance in approaches to building and sustaining tech-based economies.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) signed by President Obama last week boosts the spending demands for several federal departments and agencies by a significant amount. For example, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be receiving $10.4 billion to spend on research activities, scientific instrumentation, and facility improvements. This compares to a FY2008 budget of almost $30 billion for NIH.

The sixth installment of the Tech Talkin' Govs series includes highlights from state of the state addresses from governors in Tennessee and West Virginia.

Tennessee

Gov. Phil Bredesen, State of the State Address, Feb. 9, 2009

On Feb. 23, the Honorable Gary Goodyear, Canada's Minister for State (Science & Technology), announced the Government of Canada was distributing $120.4 million (all figures are Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated) to 37 universities to support 134 new and renewed Canadian Research Chairs. The awards, the first for 2009 in the program started in 2000, include $6.6 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation for research infrastructure to facilitate the work of 42 of the chairholders.

Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation has named Jim Carroll as director of its Center for Entrepreneurial Growth.

The complete description of this opportunity and others are available at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm.

Deal’s Impact on Texas Operations Remains Unclear

If you follow college sports, you know all how strong rivalries can be between certain schools. Bragging rights after a football game spill over into competitions over everything. Those that cross neighboring state borders seem to have even more edge sometimes.

 

Are you thinking about making a career change? If so, visit the SSTI Job Corner at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm.



In addition to the new opportunities described below, the SSTI Job Corner has openings for these positions:

Department of Energy

ARRA includes $39 billion in stimulus funding for the Department of Energy (DoE) as part of the package's support for upgrading the country's infrastructure and power grid. DoE allocations include funding for the department's science office, research grants, and energy efficiency programs.

ARRA will provide $7.2 billion to upgrade the country's broadband infrastructure through the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The major federal R&D funding agencies all received significant funding through ARRA, including:

Department of Health and Human Services

A total of $10 billion will be provided to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which will be distributed among the following entities:

Department of Treasury

ARRA contains a number of provisions to provide fiscal relief to the states at a time of record deficits. Most attention has focused on the $53.6 billion provided through the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, but the act also contains other provisions to assist the states.

Department of Energy

ARRA includes $39 billion in stimulus funding for the Department of Energy (DoE) as part of the package's support for upgrading the country's infrastructure and power grid. DoE allocations include funding for the department's science office, research grants, and energy efficiency programs.

A big week for big cheeses:

Idaho Gov. Butch Otter selected James Ellick to head the Idaho Department of Commerce. Ellick brings a tech perspective to the department, having run four venture capital backed tech companies in Silicon Valley in his past.