As the most comprehensive resource available for those involved in technology-based economic development, SSTI offers the services that are needed to help build tech-based economies. Learn more about membership...
SSTI Digest
Geography: Ohio
SSTI Eyes More Digest Survey Responses
SSTI extends its thanks to those of you who have participated in the 2003 SSTI Weekly Digest survey. As mentioned in a separate e-mail earlier this week, the survey results help us determine the editorial direction and content of future issues of the Digest and Funding Supplement. We're also open to suggestions for our website, publication catalog, investment portfolios and hairstyles, so the survey offers a great chance to express yourself.
Hundreds of you responded in the first few minutes, potentially causing a traffic strain on our little server. Four Digest recipients were nice enough to alert us to a technical glitch that involved a sordid browser-firewall relationship that we think we've resolved. If you encountered any problems, we hope you will try again.
NorTech Seeks Associate Director
NorTech is interested in hiring an Associate Director who will be responsible for all activities associated with one or more initiatives and ongoing high level support for the initiatives. The mission of NorTech is to ensure economic growth and leadership in Northeast Ohio by promoting entrepreneurially based globally competitive technology development and commercialization. For each assignment, the Associate Director would be responsible for planning; convening and coalescing support from CEOs; advocacy at the local and state levels; launching the initiatives; and maintaining an active governance or advisory role post launch. NorTech seeks highly qualified individuals who have demonstrated success as entrepreneurs, senior business development assignments in growth organizations, or leadership experience in public-private initiatives. More information is available at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm.
NorTech Seeks Associate Director
NorTech – an organization whose mission is to ensure economic growth and leadership in Northeast Ohio by promoting entrepreneurially based globally competitive technology development and commercialization – seeks to hire an Associate Director who will be responsible for all activities associated with one or more initiatives and ongoing high level support for the initiatives. This includes for each assignment: planning; convening and coalescing support from CEOs; advocacy at the local and state levels; launching the initiatives; and maintaining an active governance or advisory role post launch. NorTech seeks highly qualified individuals who have demonstrated success as entrepreneurs, senior business development assignments in growth organizations, and/or leadership experience in public-private initiatives. More information is available at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm.
People in TBED
William "Sandy" White has been named president and CEO for the Columbus Technology Council.
Resource Updates on SSTI Website
During the past week, SSTI has made several additions to its website <http://www.ssti.org> that readers may want to note:
Pass the Digest Along!
With more than 20 new governors and hundreds of newly elected state legislators, mayors and city council members across the country, many states and communities are seeing fresh faces in key positions that will influence the shape and direction of tech-based economic development policy, funding and program implementation. SSTI encourages its readership to get issues of the SSTI Weekly Digest in their hands to help bring your new partners into the larger tech-based ED community as soon as possible. If the Digest doesn't forward well, back issues, including this one, and the subscription form are available online for your convenience: http://www.ssti.org/Digest/digest.htm
Ohio Creates $100M Tech Infrastructure Fund, Approves $50M for Capital Fund
With the passage of HB 675, the FY 03-04 Capitol Budget Bill, the Ohio Legislature approved funding for a $100 million Innovation Ohio Revolving Loan Fund and a second $50 million installment for the Wright Brothers Capital Fund. Both measures are key components of Ohio's $1.6 billion 10-year Third Frontier Project — the state's largest-ever commitment to expanding high tech research capabilities and promoting start-up companies to build high wage jobs.
The revolving loan program is intended to benefit Ohio companies in such sectors as advanced materials, biosciences and information technology, financing up to 75 percent of a total project. Ranging from $250,000 to $5 million, the loans will fund fixed assets including machinery and equipment, building or leasehold improvements, computers and software. Companies doing business outside of Ohio that agree to locate within the state also will be eligible to receive assistance.
2003 S&T Calendar Filling Up
Although only a few events remain for 2002, SSTI's web calendar of S&T items has brief descriptions and contact links for more than 120 regional or national conferences, meetings and workshops planned for 2003.
SSTI's calendar ranges from venture capital forums to workshops on how to secure federal technology funding for programs such as the Small Business Innovation Research program. Annual meetings for many associations involved with tech-based economic development also are included. The calendar is available at http://www.ssti.org/calendar.htm.
Suggestions for additional events for inclusion should be directed to ssti@ssti.org. Please note: events should be intended for a regional, national or international audience.
116 Resources for Building Tech-based Economies
From angel capital to university technology commercialization, there are myriad facets to technology-based economic development (TBED). The key to success lies in a solid understanding of your respective element of the field — from grasping the policy issues to developing effective programs and practices to implementing sound evaluation techniques.
While the SSTI Weekly Digest and SSTI's annual conferences are designed specifically to help you in your quest for economic growth through science and technology, we recognize there are additional tools you need for your job. So, we've compiled a catalog of 116 of the best titles currently available to assist the TBED community.
People
The interim director for Cleveland's new Industrial Technology Institute will be Charles Alexander, dean of the College of Engineering at Cleveland State University.
SSTI Affiliate Program Takes Off
Already, more than 20 organizations are taking advantage of SSTI's new affiliate membership program. In addition to being able to tap into SSTI's resources, among the benefits available to SSTI affiliates are two perks that many are taking advantage of: discounted registration fees for Building Tech-based Economies: From Policy to Practice, SSTI's Sixth Annual Conference and a 10 percent discount on any purchases from SSTI's 150+ title bookstore and catalog.
Eligibility to become an SSTI affiliate is open to local and regional science and technology programs, universities, trade associations, tech councils, organizations supporting technology-based economic development, international organizations and agencies, non-profit organizations, and individuals.
SSTI welcomes our first affiliates: