SSTI Digest

Earlier this year, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reported that the U.S. had fallen from fourth to 15th in broadband penetration among OECD countries (see the June 13, 2007 issue). This report came as little surprise to states that have been struggling to extend and improve high-speed Internet service, particularly in rural areas. Recognizing the need to accelerate the expansion of broadband networks, both the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Senate are now considering actions that would help assess broadband deficiencies and build these networks with the assistance of the states.

 

By creating Ontario’s Regional Innovation Networks (ORIN) three years ago, the provincial government experimented with how to establish customized systems-specific, but network-integrated approaches to strengthening and supporting regional innovation. The early successes of the 12 Regional Innovation Networks (RIN) scattered across the vast province are described in a November report, The Critical Role of Regional Innovation Networks in Ontario’s Economy, and the result of the $13 million initiative of the Ontario Minstry of Economic Development is a potential model for other states and provinces to consider.



A longer explanation is required, however, to substantiate that conclusion.

 

First is to identify the problem of plenty. One now can walk into nearly every major city in the U.S. or Canada and find a vast collection of organizations, programs and tools designed to support employment growth and business competitiveness.

 

In the quest for a region to become more innovative or attain higher levels of degree attainment, expanding the size of existing education institutions or increasing the number of community colleges and universities seems to be a somewhat practical strategy. But how long after these institutions are created or expanded do they produce a measurable impact on a region’s innovation environment?

 

Patent activity is a commonly used indicator of a state or region’s innovation capacity. SSTI has prepared a table illustrating the number of patents issued from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) per 100,000 employees for every state and the District of Columbia for each of the five years from 2002 to 2006. Additionally, the percent change in patents per employee over the five-year period was calculated. For the U.S. as a whole, including Puerto Rico and Guam, the per-employee number of patents rose 0.89 percent, from 75.7 patents per 100,000 workers in 2002 to 76.4 patents per worker in 2006.



The location of origin for each patent was determined by identifying the residence of the first-named inventor on the patent. In 2006, Idaho led the nation with 266.8 patents per 100,000 workers employed in the state. This was followed by California (161.5), Vermont (160.3), Oregon (149.2), and Massachusetts (136.7). The District of Columbia had the lowest number (10.3 patents), along with Mississippi, Alaska, West Virginia and Arkansas.

A complete description of this opportunity and others is available at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm.



The U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes international scientific and technical collaboration, is seeking a program manager for its Partner Development Program. The ideal candidate for this position is a highly motivated individual with a background in business development, marketing or international business who can network with U.S. industry and pursue new U.S. and Russian partner development opportunities. A bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience is required; a master's degree is preferred. Candidates also must have 2-4 years of prior work experience managing projects, with specific expertise in one or more of three fields: business development, marketing or international business.