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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CONGRESSIONAL SCIENCE POLICY STUDY CALLS FOR INCREASED STATE-BASED PARTNERSHIPS
"State-based organizations have considerable advantages over the federal government in assisting in the commercial development of new technologies including their proximity to the firms that will actually employ new technologies, their close relationships with local university systems, and their ability to focus their efforts," says an extensive policy study recently completed by the U.S. House Science Committee.
"Unlocking Our Future: Toward A New National Science Policy," which was released last week, is the culmination of a year and a half of work undertaken by a special Congressional Committee created to develop a long-range science and technology policy for the nation. Chaired by Rep. Vernon Ehlers (R-MI), the report states that the need to maintain economic strength, which has been driven by continued technological innovation, has taken on primary importance. "The United States of America must maintain and improve its pre-eminent position in science and technology in order to advance human understanding of the universe and all it contains, and to improve the lives, health, and freedom of all peoples."
In bringing the benefits of research to the American people, the Committee found that it is important that the different core competencies of states and the federal government are recognized and that each is encouraged to focus on what it does best. The federal government has an irreplaceable role in funding basic research. States, on the other hand, are far better suited to stimulating economic development through technology-based industry within their borders.
The study also recognizes that as recently as 1995, two-thirds of federal R&D funding went to ten states. The Committee believes that all regions should be able to share in the benefits of economic prosperity that flow from the fundamental research performed in universities. The report recommends that major research universities should cultivate working relationships with less well-established research universities and technical colleges in research areas where there is mutual interest and expertise andconsider submitting, where appropriate, joint grant proposals. Less research-intensive colleges and universities should consider developing scientific or technological expertise in niche areas that complement local expertise and contribute to local economic development strategies.
The report lays out a series of recommendations for improving the national science and technology environment. Overall, there is no "sweeping plan," but instead there are numerous actions and multiple steps the nation’s scientific enterprise can take.
There are three basic components outlined in the study that the Committee feels are required to ensure success into the 21st century. They are:
*Ensure the flow of new ideas by enabling scientists to pursue fundamental, ground breaking research;
*Apply discoveries to the development of new products or processes; and,
*Improve the educational system to produce a diverse array of people that have mastery of fundamental scientific and mathematical concepts.
The report lists over 40 specific recommendations that expand upon the three areas cited above, including the following:
*Congress should make stable and substantial federal funding for fundamental scientific research a high priority;
*The federal government may consider supplemental funding for private-sector research projects when the research is in the national interest;
*Private sector capitalization of new technology-based companies should be encouraged through tax and regulatory policies. ; and,
*Partnerships that tie together the efforts of state governments, industries, and academia show great promise in stimulating research and economic development.
As the principal beneficiaries, states should be encouraged to play a greater role in promoting the development of high-tech industries, both through their support of colleges and research universities and through interactions with the private sector.
The report concludes that "for the United States of America, continued leadership in science and technology will enable us to pursue the discovery and innovation that leads to better lives, improved health, and greater freedom for all peoples, as the advances generated and stimulated by sciencedo not remain bound by geographic borders. A vigorous and sustainable American science and technology enterprise may be our most important legacy to future generations."
"Unlocking Our Future: Toward A New National Science Policy" may be viewed on the Internet at http://www.house.gov/science/science_policy_report.htm. The Committee is inviting public comment on the report.
COMMENTS SOUGHT ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO ATP SELECTION CRITERIA
The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Advanced Technology Program (ATP) has issued a request for public comment on several changes to ATP rules.
The most important change would simplify the project selection criteria. Although the new selection criteria will retain the major elements required under the old system, the five project selection criteria, each with different "weights" and lists of subcriteria, will be replaced by a two-part system:
(1) projects will be evaluated for their scientific and technological merit, and
(2) for their potential for broad-based economic benefits, with both parts weighted equally.
Under the first criterion, ATP projects are expected to propose highly innovative technological advances, involve a significant technological risk, and have a well-conceived R&D approach. Under the second criterion, projects are expected to have the potential for broad economic benefits that go well beyond the sponsoring company, lay out a clear path from the lab to the marketplace, and require ATP support to proceed because funding is not obtainable from other sources.
The proposed changes also include several administrative and clerical changes to ATP rules that are intended to clarify potentially ambiguous points or to eliminate unnecessary provisions.
Those wishing to comment on the proposed changes to ATP have until October 25 to submit their remarks. The full text of the proposed changes published in the Federal Register can be found at http://www.atp.nist.gov.
SSTI CONFERENCE A SUCCESS
The State Science and Technology Institute 1998 Annual Conference, "Science & Technology Programs: Catalysts for Economic Growth," was a success with over 100 S&T professionals from 30 states and the District of Columbia attending. The conference, which was held in
Columbus, Ohio on September 24 and 25, provided practitioners an opportunity to discuss best practices, trends and new developments in technology-based economic development programs.
We would like to extend a special thank you to all who attended the conference and those who participated in the pre-conference workshop and tour. We look forward to another successful conference in 1999.
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