Copyright State Science & Technology Institute 2002. Information in this issue of the SSTI Weekly Digest was prepared under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration. Redistribution to all others interested in tech-based economic development is strongly encouraged — please cite the State Science & Technology Institute whenever portions are reproduced or redirected. Any opinions expressed in the Digest do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
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HEARING HELD ON NATIONAL SCIENCE POLICY STUDY
Continuing to solicit input for the National Science Policy Study, Rep. Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) held an April 22 House Science Committee hearing on "The Irreplaceable Federal Role in Funding Basic Research." This was the fifth hearing Ehlers has held as he gathers information to complete the National Science Policy Study.
Rep. Ehlers was appointed by House Speaker Newt Gingrich to head up the Science Committee's effort to design a new science and technology policy that can be used to plan for the future, set priorities for research, and build sustainable support for scientific research. (See the 11/14/97 issue of the SSTI Weekly Digest at www.ssti.org for related information.)
The purpose of the hearing was to examine ways to strike a funding balance among researchers in government, academia, and industry. The hearing explored the nature of basic research today and the economic rationale for making it a priority of the federal government.
House Science Committee Chairman James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-WI) offered the criteria by which he believes scientific programs should be prioritized and funded. The criteria are:
- Federal research and development must focus on essential programs that are long-term, high-risk, non-commercial, well-managed, and have great scientific potential;
- Federal R&D should be focused on agency missions;
- The marketing or commercializing of a product should be left to the private sector, as should incremental improvements in a technology or process;
- Partnerships involving industry, universities, the states, and foreign governments and institutions should be encouraged as ways to leverage taxpayers' investments in R&D; and,
- The infrastructure necessary for conducting essential federal R&D programs needs to be prioritized consistent with program requirements — funding should be driven by policy, not the other way around.
Rep. Ehlers stated,"Funding enough far-sighted, interdisciplinary research is a tension that is at the essence of the importance of renewing our nation's commitment to science: the very role that the federal government is most needed and best positioned to fill is perhaps the hardest to explain to the American people. Articulating a compelling economic rationale to justify investments in research that by definition is furthest removed from direct, immediate economic benefit is perhaps one of science's chief challenges in the years ahead."
Those testifying at the hearing agreed that R&D has contributed significantly to the nation's economic growth and standard of living, and that the federal government is the most important supporter of fundamental research. None believed that if the federal government reduced its support, private industry would be able to pick up the slack.
Testimony and additional information regarding the hearing can be found on the web at www.house.gov/science/ science_policy_study.htm.
OCAST Opens Commercialization Center and Seeks Executive Director
The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) has announced the launch of the Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center (Tech Center).
The purpose of the Tech Center is to grow high-wage, high-growth technology sectors in Oklahoma by actively contributing to the start-up and development of new companies and spurring innovation across existing companies. The Center assesses companies' needs, guides them through the technology commercialization process, and provides directly, or by referrals, specialized business development services, access to early stage risk financing, and help in transferring technology.
OCAST has contracted with the Oklahoma Technology Development Corporation (OTDC) to start-up and manage the Tech Center. OTDC is now seeking qualified candidates for the position of Executive Director of the Tech Center.
The Executive Director will have overall leadership and management responsibility for the Tech Center and its branch offices. Candidates must have a minimum of 15 years progressive management experience with 10 years experience as a seasoned professional operating in an advanced technology environment and a track record of successful business commercialization.
A more detailed job description can be found on the SSTI website at www.ssti.org. Interested parties may contact either Sheri Stickley of OCAST at 405/524-1357, ext. 239 or via e-mail at sstickley@ocast.state.ok.us or contact Cheryl Choumbakos of OTDC at 405/297-8893.
NMFS ACCEPTING N.E. FISHERIES PROPOSALS
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has announced the availability of approximately $500,000 in funding under its Marine Fisheries Initiative (MARFIN) for research and development projects that optimize the use of fisheries in the Northeastern Coastal States, focusing on the New England region. MARFIN financial assistance began in FY 1986 in the NMFS Southeast Region and is being expanded to New England for the first time in FY 1998.
Proposals are due into the NMFS Northeast Regional Office (Gloucester, MA) by May 18. For further information on the program, contact Harold Mears at 978/281-9243.
Northwestern University Seeks Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
Northwestern University invites nominations and applications for the new position of Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives. The person who fills this position will develop and implement initiatives that will enhance the University=s research enterprise.
Reporting to the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, the Associate VP will:
Coordinate overall strategy and management of faculty initiated start-ups;
Develop cross-campus, inter-school initiatives for university investment;
Provide leadership for the development, implementation, and communication of policies and programs affecting research and commercialization; and,
Work closely with faculty and directors of University Research Centers in shaping research priorities.
A more detailed job description and instructions for applying can be viewed on SSTI's webpage at www.ssti.org.
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