SSTI Digest

Several recent project announcements highlight communities using incubators and research parks, some of the tools for technology-based economic development, in specialized formats to capitalize on existing strengths and nurture additional growth of clusters of related tech firms. Such targeted approaches can help to focus other TBED activities for additional benefits. For example, workforce training can be designed for the particular technology sector rather than tailored at higher costs to the needs of several unrelated technology firms in a general technology incubator or research park. Other savings can come in promotional and marketing strategies, tie-ins to university research capabilities, and specific EPA or OSHA regulations. Examples of some of the projects underway include: In Greenville, ME, an incubator specializing in wood composites was given life earlier this month when the State Senate passed a spending bill that includes $225,000 for the incubator. The authorizing legislation provides that the Greenville facility will house and support businesses seeking to commercialize wood…

The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) drafted and approved four reports in 2002. Three of those reports are now available online at http://www.ostp.gov/PCAST/pcast2002rpt.html. Each report was submitted to President Bush and is briefly synopsized below. Building Out Broadband This report reviews the current standing of broadband demand and advocates policies that would aid the economic revival of information technology sectors. The report stresses the significant role that broadband technology plays in continuing growth and leadership of the U.S. high-tech sector. Steps are identified that the Administration should consider to aid the removal of barriers to timely broadband deployment. The following recommendations are issued: Continue emphasis on R&D in distance education and classroom technologies and collaboration with the private sector to exploit broadband technologies; Support telework and analyze how broadband can enable and expand the flexibility of these opportunities; Support telemedicine and expand coordination…

The federal role in early-stage technology development (ESTD) is much more important than may be suggested by collective R&D statistics, suggests Between Invention and Innovation: An Analysis of Funding for Early-Stage Technology Development, a report by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Prepared to support informed public policies concerning the transition from invention to innovation, the study finds that federal technology development funds complement, rather than substitute for, private funds. The report states that economic growth will continue only with the constant pioneering of technological innovations that upset markets and generate new industries. Understanding the transition from invention-to-innovation is crucial in the creation of both public policies and private business strategies. Unfortunately, the report finds the practice in which an idea of potential commercial value is transformed into a successful product is complex, inadequately documented, and barely studied. The report attempts to fill that gap in this critical transition. Two…

Jeff Bond, former long-time manager of the BMDO SBIR program, has been named Acting DoD SBIR/STTR Administrator, replacing the retiring Ivory Fisher. The University of Nebraska Technology Park has named Steve Frayser as president. Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has nominated Jack Lavin to run the newly named Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The agency was formerly called the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs. Lavin was chief financial officer for Rezco Enterprises. Greg Main, Oklahoma's former secretary of commerce, has been named president and CEO of the Oklahoma Technology Development Corp., which runs the Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center. Timothy Monger is the new executive director for the Indiana Department of Commerce, Monger replaces Thomas McKenna, who has taken the position as cheif of staff to the Lieutenant Governor. Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry has named Tulsa businesswoman Kathryn Taylor to serve as Secretary of Commerce. The position oversees the state's economic development, commerce, and  tourism…

Jeff Bond, former long-time manager of the BMDO SBIR program, has been named Acting DoD SBIR/STTR Administrator, replacing the retiring Ivory Fisher.

The University of Nebraska Technology Park has named Steve Frayser as president.

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has nominated Jack Lavin to run the newly named Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The agency was formerly called the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs. Lavin was chief financial officer for Rezco Enterprises.

Greg Main, Oklahoma's former secretary of commerce, has been named president and CEO of the Oklahoma Technology Development Corp., which runs the Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center.

Timothy Monger is the new executive director for the Indiana Department of Commerce, Monger replaces Thomas McKenna, who has taken the position as cheif of staff to the Lieutenant Governor.

Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry has named Tulsa businesswoman Kathryn Taylor to serve as Secretary of Commerce. The position oversees the state's economic development, commerce, and  tourism activities. David Lopez, a retired officer of SBC Communications, will serve in the voluntary, unpaid position as the Governor's economic development advisor.

William "Sandy" White has been named president and CEO for the Columbus Technology Council.

During the past week, SSTI has made several additions to its website <http://www.ssti.org> that readers may want to note: Under the TBED tools menu, SSTI's Calendar <http://www.ssti.org/calendar.htm> now includes links to 140 conferences, workshops, symposia and other events for the tech-based economic development community. As you plan your travel schedule for the balance of 2003, remember to reserve October 20-22 for SSTI's 7th annual conference in Seattle. Information regarding additional items for potential inclusion on the calendar webpage should be forwarded to ssti@ssti.org. Also under TBED Tools, the Resources pages <http://www.ssti.org/resources.htm> now include links to 380 different TBED related associations, government and university-affiliated organizations, federal agencies, Congressional committees, and information/statistical sources. Given the tight fiscal environment many find themselves in, SSTI has added a section on funding opportunities with fast links to the free funding portals such as FedBizOpps, Fedgrants, Foundation…