- S&T Initiatives Snag $305 Million in California’s Next Budget
- Recommendations, Best Practices Identified for IT Workforce
- North Dakota Starts Phase I of Statewide Broadband Network
- Economic Impacts of Health Research Estimated
- Funding Offered for High Speed Rail Service Development
- SSTI Web Site Update
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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S&T Initiatives Snag $305 Million in California’s Next Budget
Last week, Governor Gray Davis signed into law California’s $99.4 billion budget which provides nearly $305 million for science and technology related programs plus an additional $20 million in research and development tax credits. Specific
initiatives include:
- Improving access to computers and technology in the classroom such as expanding student access to advanced placement courses on-line, staff development and technical assistance, and final implementation of the Digital High School Program ($215 million);
- Creating three California Institutes for Science and Innovation on different University of California campuses ($75 million). The institutes will combine technological and scientific research as well as train and educate California’s future scientists and technology leaders;
- Supporting the New Economy Initiative for: space commerce and aeronautics; grants to match federal and private funds for the Next Generation Internet Centers; E-Commerce in Rural Economic Regions Demonstration Project; California Technology Investment Partnership Program; and Manufacturing Technology Program ($14.6 million); and,
- Increasing the Research and Development Credit from 12 percent to 15 percent, and raising the alternative incremental research credit from 80 percent to 90 percent of the June 30, 1999, federal credit percentages ($20 million in 2000-01).
To review highlights of the 2000-01 California state budget, visit: http://www.dof.ca.gov
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Recommendations, Best Practices Identified for IT Workforce
The 21st Century Workforce Commission has released its final report, A Nation of Opportunity, and recommendations for developing the nation's new high tech workforce. The report provides an analysis of how leadership in regional partnerships of education, business and government can effectively address critical shortages of skilled workers in information technology jobs.The Commission makes several recommendations for each of nine "Keys to Success" for overcoming the gap in IT workers and for increasing opportunities for changing composition of the American workforce and population. While intended to address IT, the report’s findings and recommendations have application across broader workforce issues in a knowledge-based economy.
The Commission's nine "Keys to Success" are:
1. Building 21st Century Literacy
2. Exercising Leadership Through Partnerships
3. Forming Learning Linkages for Youth
4. Identifying Pathways into IT Jobs
5. Increasing Acquisition of IT Skills
6. Expanding Continuous Learning
7. Shaping a Flexible Immigration Policy for Skilled IT Workers
8. Raising Student Achievement
9. Making Technology Access and Internet Connectivity UniversalThe Commission also prepared an eHandbook of Best Practices, collecting examples of effective efforts in private companies, nonprofit organizations and public agencies to address each of the nine keys to success. Short descriptions and links for additional information and contacts are provided for each best practice identified.
The 21st Century Workforce Commission was established by Congress to take a "snapshot" of the information technology workforce around the country. The Commission -- 17 members with relevant expertise from business, education, labor, and government -- was charged with studying and recommending to the President and Congress how best to ensure that American workers have the opportunity to prepare for and succeed in the IT jobs of today and tomorrow.
The report, eHandbook of Best Practices, and additional background papers can be found at: http://www.workforce21.org/finalreport.htm
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North Dakota Starts Phase I of Statewide Broadband Network
In an effort to provide quality, high-speed telecommunications services throughout the state, North Dakota has committed $3 million for the first phase of a broadband telecommunications network that is expected to cost the state $20 million when completed. When the first phase is finished later this year, 218 locations in 64 communities will be connected.“When complete, North Dakota’s network will provide the greatest universal access to high-speed telecommunication services of any rural state in the nation,” according to a Governor’s Office press release.
The initiative has three goals:
- To design and implement a network that meets the needs of government and education
- To reduce telecommunicate rates by aggregating public demand
- To promote economic development by making broadband service more widely available
The first 218 locations to be connected include state and local government agencies, colleges, and local schools. While the network is initially intended for public sector use, businesses and individuals are expected to eventually be able to buy access.
Governor Schafer will ask the Legislature to provide the remaining $17 million to complete the network. This funding would connect 552 locations in 194 cities, including all 53 county seats and any city with a high school, library, college branch, or state government office.
For more information, visit: http://www.health.state.nd.us/gov/press/broadband062900.htm
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Economic Impacts of Health Research Estimated
Public and private sources in the United States invest approximately $45 billion each year into medical research, but attempts to measure the return on that investment have been few. Exceptional Returns: The Economic Value of America’s Investment in Medical Research presents a preview of the findings of nine economists from the University of Chicago, Harvard University, Yale University, Stanford University and Columbia University. The paper’s release is timed to be of value for the 2001 budget debates in Congress.In summary, the economists found:
- “Increases in life expectancy in just the decades of the 1970s and the 1980s were worth $57 trillion to Americans – a figure six times larger than the entire output of tangible goods and services last year. The gains associated with the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease alone totaled $31 trillion.
- Improvements in health account for almost one-half of the actual gain in American living standards in the past 50 years.
- Medical research that reduced deaths from cancer by just one-fifth would be worth $10 trillion to Americans – double the current national debt.”
Prepared with financial support from the Funding First initiative of the Albert & Mary Lasker Foundation, the report is based on a book to be released later this year.
The 16-page report and additional reports commissioned by Funding First can be downloaded from: http://www.laskerfoundation.org/fundingfirst/reports.html
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R&D Funding Offered for High Speed Rail
The Federal Railroad Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation is soliciting proposal concept papers for research projects, technology advancements and/or demonstrations directed at enhancing the deployment of high-speed rail service. Technologies which are high-priority research candidates for evaluation include: 1) grade crossing hazard mitigation systems, 2) innovative, low cost technologies to improve track and structures, 3) advance train control systems, 4) and non-electric locomotives and passenger equipments systems.Any individual or organization may submit a proposal concept paper. A total of $4.3 million in project funding is anticipated in FY 2000; additional funding may be available in FY 2001. Awards are expected to range from $25,000 to $500,000. The solicitation can be found by going to: www.eps.gov , selecting “EPS for Vendors,” selecting “DOT Offices” and clicking on “Federal Railroad Administration Posted Dates.”
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SSTI Web Site Update
Our Digest archives are back on-line! The Calendar of Events and S&T Resources have also been updated. We apologize for the problems many of you encountered trying to use the site during the past two weeks.Return to the top of this page
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