In the January 15, 2007 Issue:

Copyright State Science & Technology Institute 2007. 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.

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Tech Talkin’ Govs, Part II
This is the second installment of SSTI’s look at the Inaugural, Budget and State of the State Addresses delivered in the past week. With a heavy emphasis on alternative energy, TBED priorities continue to receive significant time in the speeches delivered by the nation’s governors at the start of the 2007 legislative season. Selected excerpts of new initiatives are provided below:

Arkansas
Gov. Mike Beebe, State of the State Address, Jan. 10, 2007
“Our students deserve the best and the newest learning tools that we can provide. It's essential that all of our students have Internet access and current technology to maximize it. Therefore, we will undertake an up-to-date assessment of all technology resources in our schools, showing us where we need to improve, and how these resources are used. With that, the Arkansas Department of Education and the Department of Information Systems will formulate a timeline to ensure that every child has SAFE access to the online world. ...

“... Young people with the talent and the ability to pursue higher education in Arkansas should not be hindered by a lack of resources. Those whose families earn less than $25,000 a year will be eligible for a $1,000 state scholarship each year for a maximum of four years. Realizing that not everyone will be able to attend school full-time, part-time students will also benefit with pro-rated aid over a longer period of time.

“And not everyone has the opportunity to immediately pursue higher education after high school. I’ll work with the legislature to further increase opportunity for higher education by expanding the Career Pathways Initiative from the current 11 community colleges to all 22. ...

“... To help attract new manufacturers and retain the ones we have, we’ll phase out the sales tax on utilities for manufacturers, with the first step being a one-sixth reduction.

“As we look forward to the future, we must put a special focus on the industries of the 21st century that will ensure our long-term economic success. I will work with the Legislature and the legislative leadership to roll back the sales tax on off-road diesel fuel and replace it with a per-gallon tax coupled with an incentive to purchase bio-diesel.

“And I’ll work with the legislative leadership on crafting a tax credit for the construction of crushers and other bio-fuel infrastructure. For an investment today, we can seed the industry of the future right here in our own backyard.

“Today, there is the potential to create gasoline – not ethanol, but gasoline – from cellulose products already growing right here in Arkansas. Imagine stopping at a gas station and filling your tank with fuel made from Arkansas wood products and created at an Arkansas bio-refinery.”

California
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, State of the State Address, Jan. 9, 2007
“The legislature joined with me in passing the historic global warming measure that caps greenhouse gas emissions. We hear so much about climate change. One area where we definitely need the climate to change is the national government's attitude about global warming. ... So, I ask you to appropriate the funds to implement this global warming legislation, so that we can become part of the world market that is already trading credits for the reduction of greenhouse gases.

“I also ask you to work with me on another environmental first. I propose that California be the first in the world to develop a low carbon fuel standard that leads us away from fossil fuels. And let us use the freedom and the flexibility of the market to accomplish it.”

Colorado
Gov. Bill Ritter, State of the State Address, Jan. 11, 2007
“Our calling card to the 21st century must be the New Energy Economy. ...

“... [W]e must do everything possible to ensure that the futuristic technology coming from the labs and the classrooms is transferred to the marketplace. ...

“I am proposing several immediate initiatives: Georgia
Gov. Sonny Perdue, Budget Press Release, Jan. 10, 2007
“Georgia has risen sharply in the ranks over the last few years to become number one in the southeast, and third in the nation for vaccination coverage. Number one is a goal we should strive to attain for all the rest of our health measures. That's why we put $10 million in the Georgia Research Alliance to support vaccine-based antiviral life science research in this growing industry."
 
Indiana
Gov. Mitchell Daniels, Jr., State of the State Address, Jan. 16, 2007
“By converting the Indiana Lottery from a state bureaucracy to a franchised, regulated utility, treating it exactly as we already treat casino gaming and horserace gaming, we can keep all the revenue it brings in today and still assemble a billion dollars or more for a major leap forward in higher education.
 
“Actually, for two leaps. First, let's create Hoosier Hope Scholarships, dollars that throw open the doors of higher education to more of our most talented young people, while ensuring that they stay here in Indiana and help us build a stronger tomorrow. Let's make the dreary term ‘brain drain’, a forgotten phrase.
 
“And let's invest the rest in bringing new world-class researchers and teachers to any public institution that can recruit them. Let's vault over other states, until the world looks at the universities of Indiana with admiration and envy. Until our schools routinely spin off the new discoveries, new inventions, and diverse, high-quality jobs that Hoosier Hope winners will demand. ...
 
“... The policies that helped us catch the pack in first-generation ethanol should now be modified so we can lead in the biomass ethanol that comes next. Please help us also by broadening our clean coal incentives to ensure that Indiana leads that energy revolution, too.”
 
Iowa
Gov. Chet Culver, Inaugural Address, Jan. 12, 2007
“It's our time to win the race to become the energy capital of the world. Let us invoke the lessons previous generations of explorers and leaders have taught us. Let us all come together as one and lead our own ‘21st Century Iowa Expedition.’
 
“There is an energy frontier open before us, and we must explore it immediately! America and the world are counting on us. Simply put, we can't afford to duck this responsibility! It's time for Iowa to become the Silicon Valley of the Midwest. ...
 
“... It’s time to make the entire state of Iowa a laboratory so we remain on the cutting edge of all forms of renewable energy. ...
 
“... We will create an Iowa Power Fund to invest in and attract cutting edge research and development. This will ensure we can lead the way not only in alternative fuels but also in biomass, geothermal, wind and solar energy. It’s time for Iowa to become the first state in the nation to declare energy independence! ...
 
"... [Iowans expect us] to give hope to the sick by lifting the ban on stem cell research.”
 
Kansas
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, State of the State Address, Jan. 9, 2007
“I'm proposing the Office of Rural Opportunity, which will build on the outstanding work of our Rural Life Taskforce. This new initiative will help rural communities attract businesses and families, and will establish Rural Opportunity Zones to provide tax incentives to employers creating jobs in these communities. ...
 
“... We can continue to expand our bioscience base by bringing a planned national bio- and agro-terrorism defense facility to our state.  This would have a huge economic impact, but it will take a cooperative effort on the scale of the one that kept our military bases here to achieve that goal.  I will soon appoint a task force to work with the Bioscience Authority to bring this proposed federal laboratory to Kansas. ...
 
“... Kansas has to become a leader in the production of renewable energy. Lt. Governor Parkinson will lead a multi-year effort for energy security and independence as co-chair of the newly revitalized Kansas Energy Council. ... I’ve asked the Energy Council to make fuels like biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol a priority, continuing their efforts with the private sector, the Bioscience Authority, KTEC and K-State to make Kansas a national leader in biofuels research and production.”
 
Minnesota
Gov. Tim Pawlenty, State of the State Address, Jan. 17, 2007
“Minnesota has great renewable energy policies. Now, let’s show the nation how to move even more boldly towards energy independence. I strongly urge you to consider my ‘Next Generation Energy Plan,’ add your own good ideas, and pass a comprehensive renewable energy plan as soon as possible. ...
 
“... We need to move Minnesota into the modern age by making more on-line opportunities available to our [K-12] students. If done well, these courses can open world-class instruction in almost any subject to every student in all corners of the state. To get us there, my budget will provide funding to enhance current on-line opportunities, as well as remove financial barriers for districts wanting to purchase on-line course work.”
 
New Mexico
Gov. Bill Richardson, State of the State Address, Jan. 16, 2007
“New Mexico is already the leader in clean energy. Let’s go further­ I want New Mexico to become one of the first states in the nation to create a Renewable Energy Transmission Authority and export solar, wind and other renewable energy. I also want to require utility companies to produce 15 percent of their energy through renewable resources by 2015 and 25 percent by 2020. ...
 
“... To recruit new industries we must provide new incentives such as:

“I ask that we commit ourselves to solving New Mexico’s water problems. ... We must continue to invest in innovation. That’s why I created the Water Innovation Fund to inspire and invest in the latest technological breakthroughs. ...
 
“... We should also provide tax credits to promote green offices and homes, create an Energy innovation fund to develop clean energy projects ... .”
 
Pennsylvania
Gov. Ed Rendell, Inaugural Address, Jan. 16, 2007
“In the next 30 days, I will set forth an Agenda for Pennsylvania Progress that calls for major new strategic investments in education, in alternative energy development, in transportation and in growing our economy.”
 
Utah
Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr., State of the State Address, Jan. 16, 2007
“I am proposing an incentive fund for use in providing ‘seed’ money to projects utilizing alternative energy sources.”
 
Washington
Gov. Chris Gregoire, State of the State Address, Jan. 9, 2007
“Our modern day moon challenge is to meet the math and science crisis facing our state and nation. Three-quarters of Americans believe that if our next generation fails to improve skills in math, science, and engineering, it risks becoming the first generation of Americans who are worse off economically than their parents. ...
 
“... I propose that for the first time we reduce math and science class sizes to the nationally recognized standard of 25 students to 1 teacher.
 
“But it doesn't help to have small class sizes without skilled teachers. In Washington, only about half of our math teachers have a degree in math. We need to help our teachers teach by providing them the training and coaching they deserve.
 
“My goal is to recruit 750 new math and science teachers by offering college scholarships, loan forgiveness, and recruiting those in the private sector who want to contribute to our children's future.
 
“And we must change the hodge-podge of math curricula we have in our state and even within the same school districts. ... We should have no more than three curricula options in the state and we need to tie our math and science education to international standards so we know our kids can compete with anyone. ...
 
“... We need to provide graduates in high-demand fields. A survey of Washington businesses shows that we are not keeping pace with employer needs - especially in fields like computer science, engineering and construction. We're importing workers for good-paying jobs. Don't you think our sons and daughters should get a shot at those jobs?
 
“I am proposing we expand college and university enrollment by 8,300 students, including an unprecedented 3,300 slots in high-demand fields ranging from nurse's aides to doctors, and engineers to construction workers. ...
 
“... Picture yourself in the Tri-Cities, Seattle, Spokane or Vancouver. Within a five-minute walk, you pass by cutting edge research facilities and offices of four or five of the world’s leading companies in health care technology, silicon chip production, or alternative fuels.
 
“This vision is not far-fetched. I have personally seen its beginnings around the world. We have much of the foundation in place, now all we have to do is help regions create Innovation Zones which can serve as a powerful magnet attracting investment money, new businesses, creative people and good 21st century jobs.”
 
West Virginia
Gov. Joe Manchin, State of the State Address, Jan. 10, 2007
“I am proposing an incentive that will provide significant, long-term tax credits to companies that create high-paying, special high tech manufacturing jobs in West Virginia. ...
 
“... As Chairman of the West Virginia Public Energy Authority, I have tasked my fellow members to develop an energy plan for West Virginia that promotes technologies that increase our energy supply, creates new employment opportunities, helps to protect the environment, and, most importantly, makes West Virginia independent of foreign oil by the year 2030. ...
 
“... We also need to be at the forefront of technology. You will hear me mention tonight several initiatives that are technology-based, but these progressive concepts will only be accomplished if we continue our efforts to expand broadband access in West Virginia.
 
"I believe it is possible in the very near future to establish ourselves as a state that is broadband wired from border to border and that can effectively communicate, interact and compete with people and businesses not just across the country but around the world. Our goal as an administration, working with the legislature and service providers, is that by 2010 all West Virginians will have the opportunity to use broadband at home and at work. Just like our efforts to expand water and sewer availability in West Virginia, broadband access is an essential piece of infrastructure that is critical to our future success.”
 
Wyoming
Gov. Dave Freudenthal, State of the State Address, Jan. 10, 2007
“I believe that it’s incredibly important that this state become a leader in this question of coal research and particularly into the technologies that will convert coal to synthetic natural gas or to diesel or some of the other options. What I do support is a proposal ... which would recommend that we enhance the budget at the School of Energy Resources to do research on these questions. ...
 
“... I would argue that our proper role as a State is not to pick a plant manager or a company and underwrite it, but it is to do fundamental research on the two basic areas that restrict or could potentially restrict the development of those technologies in our state.”

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Massachusetts Innovation Index Reports Shrinking High-Tech Labor Pool in Leading Technology States
The gradual aging of the American workforce and the domestic migration of young workers may be at fault for slow economic growth in many states that have historically been successful in promoting high-tech business, according to this year’s Index of the Massachusetts Innovation Economy. The 10th anniversary edition of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) publication reports that the state shows several signs of recovery from the technology bust of the early 00s, but cites accelerating population loss among 22- to 34-year-olds as a major challenge for high-tech industries. The group warns that if Massachusetts continues to lose skilled younger workers, the state will be ill-equipped to capitalize on advances in emerging technologies, such as renewable energy, nanotechnology and the life sciences.
 
Over the past decade, the Index has monitored key innovation indicators in Massachusetts and other leading technology states. MTC compares the state’s performance in critical technology areas to its peer states, including Virginia, Minnesota, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New Jersey, North Carolina, California, and New York. Last year, the group reported that although Massachusetts technology industries continued to expand, the state faced increasing competition from these technology leaders (see http://www.ssti.org/Digest/2006/011606.htm#MTC). The Index attributed this growing competition to substantial state investment in research and to “cyclical and secular forces” that were unlikely to disappear in the near future. Key among these forces was the out-migration of skilled, educated workers – a loss that was only mitigated by a strong influx of international workers.
 
This year, however, MTC reports that declining international immigration and accelerating population loss have begun to jeopardize the state’s ability to fill high-tech jobs and respond to potential future expansion in the state’s technology industries. Several other leading states tracked by the Massachusetts Index, such as New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and California, show similar evidence of a shrinking high-tech labor pool. If these population trends persist, states such as Massachusetts may find themselves lacking the human capital to sustain high-tech growth.
 
The Index also reports that:

Download the Index of the Massachusetts Innovation Economy at: http://www.masstech.org/institute/the_index.htm
 
Links to this report, past editions of the Index, and more than 4,000 additional TBED-related research reports, strategic plans and other papers can be found at the Tech-based Economic Development (TBED) Resource Center, jointly developed by the Technology Administration and SSTI, at: http://www.tbedresourcecenter.org/

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SSTI Welcomes Our Newest State Members
Recently, Enterprise Florida Inc. and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development joined SSTI as state sponsors. We are pleased to have 38 state science and technology (S&T) organizations show their commitment to technology-based economic development as state sponsors. Our members see value in the educational opportunities, technical assistance and quality research information SSTI provides.

"We share SSTI's commitment to economic improvement through science and technology, which is evidenced by our focus on building Florida's economy through life sciences and other technology sectors," said Enterprise Florida President and CEO John Adams Jr. "The collaboration with SSTI and its members will benefit us in developing Florida as a hub for top level research and technology commercialization."

Membership in SSTI allows access to the most extensive network of current and past practitioners, academics and policymakers who are attempting to speed commercialization and encourage innovation. SSTI has active members in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Canada.

Visit www.ssti.org/sponsors.htm to see if your state S&T organization is a member. And, if not, contact them to let them know what they are missing! Don't forget you can always lead the way by joining as an affiliate or supporter. Additional information can be found at www.ssti.org/sponsors.htm or by contacting Noelle Sheets, director of membership services, at 614.901.1690.

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Job Corner
Penn State Seeks Director of Economic and Workforce Development
Penn State University is seeking an entrepreneurial leader for its Office of Economic and Workforce Development. This office serves to advance the economic well-being of Pennsylvania, ultimately by helping to create and retain jobs and enhance the skills of the workforce in the Commonwealth. The director of economic and workforce development reports to the vice president for outreach at Penn State's campus in University Park, Pa. A master’s degree or equivalent knowledge and at least seven years of related experience are required. A full description of this opportunity and others is available through the SSTI Job Corner at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm.

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