SSTI Publishes Directory of Technology Councils

Collaboration and partnership among public, private, and non-profit entities have taken on a renewed urgency as states and localities seek quick and cost effective methods to cultivate the necessary environment to foster and support technology-based economies. SSTI’s latest publication focuses on two groups of technology-based economic development organizations that have grown in numbers alongside the New Economy: 1) regional technology councils, and 2) industry associations focused on information technology and life sciences, the industrial sectors most associated with the New Economy. As these groups have become larger and more numerous, their strength as allies in S&T policy has emerged.

The potential role for these non-governmental organizations to serve in science and technology policy formulation, program design, and service delivery is substantial — and growing. Most technology councils were created during the past five years. Collectively, the 165 councils profiled in The SSTI Directory of Technology Councils already involve more than 56,000 companies and individuals in 41 states and the District of Columbia. 

Although a few technology councils rival the large industrial trade associations in their sophisticated state and federal lobbying tactics, nearly all are organized around themes of growing local technology business communities.

The directory is intended to make the S&T policy community aware of the breadth of activity occurring. It establishes a baseline of information to encourage productive relationships among and between the councils and local, state, and federal policy makers. While some strong partnerships have been developed on the local and state level, it is in the best interest of all groups interested in the New Economy to encourage greater communication and stronger partnerships among all participants.

The SSTI Directory of Technology Councils includes contact information, web site addresses, and descriptions of council missions and member services. In addition, a ten-page introduction presents an overview of the recent growth of these councils. SSTI believes the directory is a must-have for those interested in joining, studying, or establishing technology councils.

SSTI sponsors will be receiving their complimentary copies of the Directory early next week. Digest subscribers and all others may purchase the 80-page publication from SSTI for $50 (U.S.).