SSTI Digest
Useful Stats: 2000 Industrial R&D Intensity, Per Capita by State
U.S. businesses spent $180.4 billion in non-federal funds for research and development in 2000, according to the National Science Foundation's (NSF) annual Survey of Industrial Research and Development. The figure reflects 13 percent growth over 1999 findings and the 47th consecutive year of increases. Federal funding for industrial R&D, however, fell to $19.1 billion in 2000, a 15 percent drop from 1999.
Top R&D-performing manufacturing industries in 2000 were motor vehicles, trailers, and parts ($18.3 billion), pharmaceuticals and medicines ($12.8 billion), semiconductor and other electronic components, ($12.8 billion), communications equipment ($11.2 billion), and, navigational, measuring, electromedical and control instruments ($10.1 billion).
Draft NSF Strategic Plan Open for Comment
Meeting short-term budget demands are consuming more and more of state, local and academic tech-based economic development practitioners' time. However, keeping an eye on the long-range funding picture is critical for sustained success. One of the most important federal sources for supporting the research enterprise is the National Science Foundation (NSF). At NSF Director Rita Colwell's request, the public has the opportunity to participate in developing NSF's strategic vision and plan for the next six years.
"The views of the science and engineering community and the public are very important to us and will be reflected in the final draft of the updated plan," Dr. Colwell writes.
Review of MEP Underway
The National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) has begun a review of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) that will examine the program's mission and execution. MEP requested the independent analysis.
As part of the study, NAPA will consider whether there are barriers that prevent small firms from obtaining technical and business advice they need to improve innovation, productivity and competitiveness. NAPA will then identify business models for providing services.
The report is scheduled to be completed in February 2004. NIST is asking interested parties to comment on the study by going to http://www.napawash.org/pc_government_performance/ongoing_nist.html
TBED Comings and Goings
G. Michael Alder has been named executive director of the Biotechnology Association of Alabama.
Thomas Anderson is the new director of the Automation Alley Technology Center in Michigan.
Colorado Governor Bill Owens has appointed Tim Fritz as the director of the Office of Aerospace and Aeronautics.
Hempstead (New York) Mayor James Garner was elected to serve as the 61st president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors during its annual meeting this week.
TBED Comings and Goings
G. Michael Alder has been named executive director of the Biotechnology Association of Alabama.
TBED Comings and Goings
Thomas Anderson is the new director of the Automation Alley Technology Center in Michigan.
TBED Comings and Goings
Colorado Governor Bill Owens has appointed Tim Fritz as the director of the Office of Aerospace and Aeronautics.
TBED Comings and Goings
Hempstead (New York) Mayor James Garner was elected to serve as the 61st president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors during its annual meeting this week.
TBED Comings and Goings
The Arlington Technology Incubator (Texas) has selected Geoffrey Grant to serve as the new director beginning July 1.
TBED Comings and Goings
The Charleston Gazette reports Ron Hatfield, director of jobs development for the West Virginia University Institute of Technology's Technology Research and Development Corp., will also serve as the new executive director of the Upper Kanawha Economic Development Corp.
TBED Comings and Goings
Joseph James has announced his resignation as head of the Prince George's Economic Development Corporation (Maryland).
TBED Comings and Goings
The new executive director of the Virginia Piedmont Technology Council is Gail Milligan.