GAO Uncertain About Impact of R&D Tax Credit
The General Accounting Office (GAO) has released a report, "Tax Policy and Administration: Review of Studies of the Effectiveness of the Research Tax Credit," that concludes that much uncertainty remains about the responsiveness of research spending to tax incentives. There was mixed evidence that the amount of research and development spending stimulated by the federal credit equals or exceeds the cost of the lost revenue.
1996 World Competitiveness Yearbook Released; U.S. Ranks First
The International Institute for Management Development has released its annual World Competitiveness Yearbook, and the United States has reclaimed its spot atop the list. The U.S. was followed by Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and Denmark.
Three Cities Receive NSF Urban Systemic Initiative Awards
Milwaukee, St. Louis, and San Diego were named to receive a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for developing system-wide reforms in K-12 science, mathematics, and technology education. The awards are part of NSF's Urban Systemic Initiative. The initiative supports science, math, and technology education reform in cities with the largest number of school-aged children living in poverty.
13 Receive National Medal of Science and National Medal of Technology
Thirteen individuals have been named recipients of the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology--America's version of the Nobel Prize. Among those honored was a director of one of New Jersey's Advanced Technology Centers.
SBA Names Winners
A Missouri businesswoman was named National Small Business Person of the Year by the Small Business Administration. Phyllis Hannan, president of Laser Light Technologies, received the award last week as part of the SBA's Small Business Week (June 2-8) celebration. Small Business Week is designated each year to honor the nation's small businesses and to highlight their contributions to the national economy and their local communities.
Engineering Research Center to Focus on Environmental Issues in Semiconductor Manufacturing
The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) have created the NSF/SRC Engineering Research Center for Environmentally Benign Semiconductor Manufacturing. The new center will study the environmental, health, and safety aspects of the semiconductor manufacturing process.
Position Available at Florida MEP
The Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership (FMEP) is seeking a Director who possesses the skills that are needed for the corporation to excel. The applicant should be an innovator and entrepreneur as well as a leader and a team builder with excellent communication skills.
SSTI On the WEB
The State Science and Technology Institute has launched its home page on the World Wide Web. The site serves as a one-stop resource for cooperative technology program managers. The site provides information on SSTI activities including information services and research.
MEP Eases Access to Services
Small and medium-sized manufacturers looking for assistance in solving technical and business problems now have improved access to the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). MEP is a nationwide network of locally managed centers in 42 states and Puerto Rico offering technical assistance to smaller manufacturers.
Position Available
Seed Capital Venture Fund Manager
Indiana Outlines Objectives to Raise Per Capita Income by 2020
Just over a year since its creation, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has released a strategic plan calling for the state to potentially increase its support for several new tech-based economic development initiatives. IEDC's Accelerating Growth: Indiana's Strategic Development Plan outlines nearly two dozen action items along three themes: innovation, talent and investment.
KTEC Pipeline to Match Kansas Entrepreneurs with Training, Mentors, Money
The metaphor of a pipeline is often used for describing the innovation process and, specifically, the health of a regional innovation system. Sustaining knowledge-based growth requires a steady flow of ideas, people and capital. Often, the flow can be weak in one of these areas -- or clogged by other factors such as lack of key resources or programs.
NSF: Drop in Industrial Support for Academic R&D Continued into 2004
For the third consecutive year, industrial support of U.S. academic research dropped, according to an April 2006 InfoBrief by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The 2.6 percent decrease in fiscal year 2004 from the previous year is the sharpest yet in the three-year trend, following a 1.1 percent reduction in FY 2003 and 1.6 percent in FY 2002.
Recent Research: Eminent Scholars and Economic Development
[Editor’s Note: The following discussion regarding the research’s relevance to state and regional TBED policy is SSTI’s. It will not be found in the working paper, nor do we mean to suggest these conclusions were drawn by professors Zucker and Darby.]
Useful Stats: State Patent Figures, 2001-2004
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides online reports presenting the number of patents filed within each state distributed across technology sector or organization. Patent activity is considered an important indicator for measuring innovation and understanding economic growth.
People
The Birmingham News reports Michael Alder, executive director of the Biotechnology Association of Alabama, is leaving to become director of technology finance at Brigham Young University.
People
The Birmingham News reports Michael Alder, executive director of the Biotechnology Association of Alabama, is leaving to become director of technology finance at Brigham Young University.
People
Tino Breithaupt, formerly vice president of Technology Tri-Corridor with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), is the new senior vice president of economic development for the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce. Vince Nystrom has been named Director, Technology Business Development of MEDC.
People
Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri promoted Saul Kaplan to serve as the new director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corp. Kaplan replaces three-year veteran Michael McMahon, who left to launch a new equity firm.
People
Keith Ridley was named manager of the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) Valley Business Ventures, a new division created to increase jobs and capital investment in high-growth industries and in companies owned by women and minorities in the TVA region.
People
Just four months into the job, In-Q-Tel's CEO, Amit Yoran, resigned for personal reasons. In-Q-Tel is the venture capital arm of the Central Intelligence Agency.
Legislative Actions & Tech Talkin' Govs 2006, Part II
The second installment to Walkin' the Tech Talkin' Gov Walk (see the April 17 issue of the Digest) covers the outcomes of the 2006 legislative sessions within four states, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii and Kentucky. Following is a synopsis of bills passed and budget appropriations relevant to tech-based economic development and the priorities outlined in respective gubernatorial addresses at the beginning of 2006.
Recent Research: Getting Growth Wrong: U.S. Ranks 28th in Global Environmental Index
The annual Earth Day celebrations provide an opportunity for the least environmentally friendly corporations and politicians in America to appear green by sponsoring litter pick-ups or standing in front of hydrogen fueled cars. More often, however, the U.S. policy debate sees a "jobs versus environment" battle, or most recently, cheaper gas versus environmental integrity.
Recent Research: Ernst & Young Report Sees VC Globalizing
A significant increase in venture-backed exits is signaling a new phase in the evolution of the global venture capital industry, according to a report released May 3 by Ernst & Young. Venture-backed company exits grew in value and number in 2005, as the U.S.