Upcoming S&T Events

Editor's Note: Because there are so many great conferences of potential interest to the technology-based economic development community, SSTI typically limits announcements to the calendar page on our website. The timely nature of two upcoming events leads us to a rare break with our editorial policy.

ASME Congress Presents Forum for Addressing Manufacturing Crisis

With much of the nation reeling from the structural upheaval of the U.S. manufacturing base, the world's largest gathering of engineers, industry leaders and policy makers could not come at a better time. The 2003 Congress and Research, Development and Design Expo will be held Nov. 15-21 at the Marriott Wardman Park and the Omni Shoreham Park in Washington, D.C. In addition to hundreds of committee meetings, the 2003 technical program offers eight industry tracks including Homeland Security, more than 550 reports, and the latest information on trends and advances in the mechanical engineering arena. One conference program that may be of particular interest to Digest readers is a session looking at ways to avoid the looming "train wreck" in manufacturing R&D, a phrase coined by the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology to describe the potential results of the U.S. continuing to under-invest in the physical sciences. Registrations received by Nov. 3 save $100. More information is available at: http://www.asmeconferences.org/congress03/

United Nations to Hold Science Park Forum in Philadelphia

The City of Philadelphia will host the United Nations Forum Science and Technology Parks: New and Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Development on Nov. 30 - Dec. 3. The conference is expected to draw participants from many countries with one thing in common — a desire to understand the requirements for establishing a successful science and technology park. Delegates will learn how to analyze their infrastructures, to identify what they will need in terms of resources and assistance, to define their next steps, and to develop relationships with those who can help them meet their goals. Forum attendees also will get a firsthand look at best practices on how some of the leading technology and research parks operate and the economic impact this powerful tech-based economic development tool can have on a region. Other Forum topics include identifying regional assets and linking to global opportunities, forging industry/academic/government partnerships and determining the requirements for establishing science and technology parks. More information is available at: http://www.ipphila.com/PhilaUNforum/

Additional conferences, workshops and programs are included in SSTI's Calendar of Events: http://www.ssti.org/calendar.htm