Toucan Capital announced the appointment of Dr. Phillip Singerman as a new Venture Partner.

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.

Convergence Group Formed in Silicon Valley

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

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.

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.

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.

Brian Mefford will assume the position of president and CEO of Kentucky's Center for Information Technology Enterprise.

The NanoBusiness Alliance has named Sean Murdock to serve as its new executive director.

Baiju Shah is the new president of the Cleveland's BioEnterprise Corp., succeeding Matt Jennings.

The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology has named Sheri Stickley interim executive director, following the resignation of William Sibley.

Pete Tartline has resigned his position as president and CEO of the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania.

Tina Van Camp has been named the director of the South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development.

Former president and CEO of the Columbus Technology Council William "Sandy" White is the new CEO of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Research Foundation.

The board of directors of Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center (MAMTC) has appointed Lavon Winkler as its new president and CEO.

Industrial research expenditures in the U.S. had a record single-year decline in 2002, according to the latest National Science Foundation (NSF) Survey of Industrial Research and Development. An inflation-adjusted decline of $8.6 billion was the largest-ever reported since the survey began in 1953. The 2002 tally, when measured in current dollars, also wins the ignoble distinction of reflecting the largest single-year absolute and percentage reduction at $7.7 billion and 3.9 percent, respectively.

One of the most critical elements needed for a tech-based economy is a strong higher education system that supplies a source of research ideas, new technologies and a skilled workforce. Studies have shown that individuals with college degrees earn more money, obtain better jobs, pay more taxes, and are more apt to perform volunteer work. Given higher education's important role, several states have been re-examining how higher education can play a larger role in their economy.

To encourage innovation in health care and speed the development of new medical technologies, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced last week it is forming an internal task force to weigh new ideas and promote new solutions.

Advocates for deregulating Kentucky's broadband industry argued doing so would result in increased rural access to high speed Internet services. They'll have the chance to prove it with Gov. Ernie Fletcher's signature this week on deregulation legislation, HB 627.

Financial success for any start-up tech firm more often depends on adequate financing and proper management than the specific technology, experts say. Two tech-based economic development organizations in Pittsburgh have formed a new alliance to offer entrepreneurial life science firms with an eye toward greater sustainability and profitability.

Concerns for wheat and organic markets remain, however

While state governments across the country are overwhelmingly in favor of health-related biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology has received a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. That may be changing - however slowly - according to new information released last week by the Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology.

Defense 2003 SBIR Phase II Awards

The Department of Defense (DoD) distributed $766.9 million in awards under fiscal year 2003 Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program competition. A total of 1,080 awards averaging more than $710,000 were made.