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
Atkinson to Leave R.I.; Position Available
Rob Atkinson, the executive director of the Rhode Island Economic Policy Council, has announced his resignation. He has accepted a position with the Progressive Policy Institute, leading a new initiative on science and technology. As a result of his departure, the Council is seeking an executive director.
The Council is a non-profit corporation, co-chaired by the Governor and a business CEO, with a 19-member board from business, labor, higher education and government leadership of Rhode Island. The Council is equally funded by industry and the state. It provides objective, in-depth analysis of the state's economy; develops and implements creative strategies; recommends policies; and advises the Governor, Administration and General Assembly.
SSTI Releases Issue Brief on R&D Tax Incentives
The State Science and Technology Institute (SSTI) recently released an issue brief that examines specific tax incentives offered by the states to encourage research and development (R&D) activity. The report, State Research and Development Tax Incentives, identifies tax incentives for R&D offered in 1996 by individual states and describes their major attributes. It also considers the use and cost of the incentives.
SSTI found that thirty-five states offered some type of incentive for research and development activity in 1996. Many of the states offered an income tax credit modeled after the federal research and experimentation tax credit guidelines. Other types of incentives included sales and use tax credits and property tax credits.
Mitchell Caught in Downsizing
Apparently as a result of Secretary of Commerce William Daley's pledge to cut the number of political employees in the department, Graham Mitchell, the assistant secretary of commerce for technology policy, will lose his job at the end of September, according to published reports. It is unclear if the position is being eliminated.
The Office of Technology Policy, headed by Mitchell, works in partnership with the private sector to develop and advocate national policies that maximize technology's contribution to U.S. economic growth, the creation of high-wage jobs, and improvements in quality of life.
Japan's Plan to Double It's R&D Budget is on Track
Japan is on schedule to double the government's R&D investment by the year 2000, according to a June 13 National Science Foundation Issue Brief.
Japan originally declared in 1992 its intent to double the amount of funding provided for R&D. In line with this goal, the Japanese government approved an R&D budget increase of 12.5% in 1996 and a 6.8% increase in 1997. If this expansion continues, annual government R&D funding will be approximately $18 billion in the year 2000, double the 1992 budget in constant dollars.
Changes to ATP Announced
U.S. Secretary of Commerce William M. Daley announced several changes to the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) yesterday. The changes came as a result of a Department study reviewing the ATP. A number of the changes are designed to increase the role of the states in the program.
The first change called for in the Secretary's report is to "encourage state participation in ATP awards." As a means of encouraging state participation in ATP awards, the program will allow joint ventures to be led by states and state-sponsored non-profits. The selection process will give weight to the "business commercialization plan" part of the criteria to post-ATP "value-added" that can be provided by state technology development organizations.
Nominations Sought for Tibbetts Award
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is seeking nominations for the Tibbetts Awards to recognize outstanding technological innovation, economic impact, and business achievements of individuals and organizations associated with the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.
The awards, named for Roland Tibbetts who was instrumental in the creation of the SBIR program, were established last year when 67 individuals and companies were recognized. This year's awards will be presented on October 16 as part of a national SBIR conference.
Nominees may be individuals, small firms, organizations and projects that have provided outstanding contributions to the SBIR program. Nominees may come from the private, non-profit, or government sectors.
NIST Seeking Baldrige Award Examiners for 1998
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is looking for business and quality experts to serve a one-year term on the Board of Examiners that reviews applications for the 1998 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. The board consists of approximately 325 members, including nine judges and 60 senior examiners.
Examiners volunteer their time to evaluate applications for the award, prepare feedback reports for applicants and recommend award winners to the NIST director.
Key qualifications include expertise in business, education or health care management, processes and results as well as knowledge of quality practices and improvement strategies.
Information brochures on the Board of Examiners are available by calling 301/ 975-2036. Examiner applications will be available in November.
Memorandum of Understanding Officially Established USIP
The National Governors' Association (NGA) and the federal government signed an agreement officially establishing the United States Innovation Partnership (USIP) on June 25, 1997. The USIP brings together the Governors and the White House to improve the operation of the national science, engineering, and technology system.
The purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to outline policies and procedures for a general working relationship between the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the U.S. Department of Commerce, other Executive agencies as appropriate, and the NGA in support of the creation and maintenance of the USIP.
SBA Announces Small Business Awards
The Small Business Administration (SBA) held its annual Small Business Week celebration June 1-7. Small Business Week is designated each year to honor the nation's small businesses and to highlight their contributions to the national economy and their local communities.
David Guiliani, president and CEO of Optiva Corporation in Washington state, was recognized as the National Small Business Person of the Year.
Optiva manufactures the Sonicare brand of sound wave-powered toothbrushes. The company started in 1988 as a technology transfer project for the University of Washington. With the help of a grant obtained through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, the company has grown from 10 to 250 employees with over $50 million in sales in 1995. Optiva's "built in the USA" strategy also helped create more than 1,000 jobs for small- and medium-sized businesses in the Pacific Northwest.
Bachula Named Acting Under Secretary for Technology
Gary Bachula has been named the Acting Under Secretary for Technology for the U.S. Department of Commerce. Since joining the department in 1993, Bachula served as the Deputy Under Secretary for Technology, reporting to Mary Good. In that position he has been a strong supporter of SSTI and the U.S. Innovation Partnership.
Position Available
The Maine Science and Technology Foundation seeks a high energy President and CEO who will work with a diverse, gubernatorially appointed Board of Directors and provide leadership to the staff in the areas of strategic planning, policy development, program oversight, finance and administration, and public outreach. MSTF is a state chartered, industry-led not-for-profit organization that stimulates science and technology-driven economic growth in the state of Maine.
R&D Magazine Releases Basic Research White Paper
R&D Magazine has released the results of a survey in which more than 80 percent of respondents think America will lose its competitive edge in industry within 25 years unless basic-research funding is increased. The survey consisted of a combination of research questionnaires and individual interviews with 4,000 researchers representing industry, academia, and government.
The survey findings are part of R&D Magazine's Basic Research White Paper. Overall, the report found that the research process, although not in immediate peril, has lost its long-term planning agenda in the face of global competition. If action is not taken to support a basic-research infrastructure to act as a foundation for the future, American innovation will suffer.