TBED Mergers, IPOs and Foreclosures
In January, Rhode Island's Tech Collective announced the creation of BioGroup, a subsidiary to focus on the needs of the state's life science industry. The new organization will serve as the state affiliate to the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).
Hiring Additional Tenure-Track Faculty as a TBED Strategy
The University of Michigan announced last month that it will spend $30 million in the next five years to hire an additional 100 junior tenure-track faculty members to build multidisciplinary research and degree programs.
People
Daniel Krichbaum was named Gov. Jennifer Granholm's new chief operating officer, replacing Mary Lannoye who left the administration as chief of staff.
People & TBED Organizations
Steven Zylstra is the new president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council.
People
The New York Biotechnology Association has named Nathan Tinker its executive director, replacing Karin Duncker, who resigned in 2006.
Blueprint Recommends New Approach to Cluster Strategy for Tucson Region
While the Tucson area is growing rapidly, surpassing one million residents last fall, regional economic development officials are concerned about personal income levels keeping pace with the growth. They argue that a highly-skilled and educated workforce within existing and emerging clusters is imperative to raise per capita personal income and to improve the region’s economic growth along with its burgeoning population.
People
Rich Cook has joined the West Michigan Science and Technology Initiative as venture center director.
State and Local Tech-based ED RoundUp
Lincoln, Nebraska
'Shoes' Slow Arizona's Progress, Report Says
Five Shoes Waiting to Drop on Arizona's Future, a 50-page report released by the Morrison Institute of Public Policy, details five key trends that could harm the state's future if they are not well managed.
Michigan Examines Tech Transfer Capabilities, Needs
A new report showing that Michigan is performing at the level of the national average in tech transfer recently was released by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan.
People
Jackie Norton, director of the Arizona Department of Commerce for the past five years, has announced she will be leaving the position this summer.
Michigan Launches Two Initiatives for Tech-based Education
During the first days of March, Michigan Governor John Engler announced the implementation of two programs through the Michigan Virtual University to integrate information technology into the state’s education system.
Laptops for Teachers
Legislative Updates: Arizona, New Jersey Reach Budget Agreements
With less than two weeks to go before the new fiscal year, Arizona and New Jersey lawmakers approved funding for cutting-edge research at the close of their 2007 legislative sessions last week. Following is a synopsis of the TBED initiatives slated to receive funding under the respective budget agreements.
Arizona
People
Augustine Cheng was appointed managing director of Arizona Technology Enterprises.
People & TBED Organizations
The business development organizations Ann Arbor SPARK and Ann Arbor IT Zone are in the process of finalizing a merger. The resulting organization will be Ann Arbor SPARK.
People
Donna Kent resigned as president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council to accept a position with Televerde, a marketing service solutions provider based in Tempe.
People
Lisa Kuuttila is the first CEO of Michigan State University Technologies, a business organization to train MSU students in the commercialization of science and technology.
People
The Greater Phoenix Economic Council has named Robert Hooley as vice president of emerging technology.
People and Organizational News
The first director of the new Automation Alley Technology Center will be Thomas Anderson.
TBED Comings and Goings
Thomas Anderson is the new director of the Automation Alley Technology Center in Michigan.
Spurring University Tech Commercialization through Incentives
Since her inauguration in January, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano has pushed legislation intended to increase university tech transfer and commercialization (see related item in this issue). But will it work? Do economic incentives really encourage university researchers to pursue commercialization goals? Or are academics "pure" scientists, truly beyond monetary motives as many would argue?
State and Local Tech-based ED RoundUp
Arizona Legislation to Encourage Tech Transfer Awaits Voters' Approval
Arizona Legislature Approves FY09 Funding to Stimulate Economy
Arizona legislators approved the fiscal year 2009 budget last week, providing funds for proposals aimed at stimulating the state’s economy through investments in higher education infrastructure and increasing R&D activity.
Proceeds from an expansion of the state’s lottery will finance $1 billion in bonding for construction projects across the state’s three universities, including $470 million for completion of the Phoenix biomedical campus and upgrades to several buildings.
Michigan Enacts $45M Centers of Energy Excellence Program
Gov. Jennifer Granholm today signed legislation creating Centers of Energy Excellence, a program designed to bring companies, academic institutions, and the state together to create jobs in alternative and advanced energy. The initiative, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, is part of an overall job creation and economic stimulus package proposed by the governor in her State of the State address earlier this year (see the Jan.
SSTI Member in Michigan Receives Presidential Export Award
A delegation of Automation Alley representatives recently traveled to the White House to receive the 2008 "E" Award for exporting. The Presidential 'E' Award was created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 to recognize persons, firms or organizations which contribute significantly to increase U.S. exports.