NCOE Report Says Entrepreneurs Healthy for Economy
Building Entrepreneurial Networks, a major report on how and why networks of entrepreneurs nurture economic growth in communities across the country, was released Wednesday by the National Commission on Entrepreneurship (NCOE).
To illustrate the importance of entrepreneurial networks, NCOE’s seventh report profiles five organizations in Idaho, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas that have succeeded in developing unique entrepreneurial networks.
Technology Sector is Strong, Pittsburgh Tech Council Report Shows
The Pittsburgh Technology Council's State of the Industry Report shows the region's technology sector, while continuing its growth, has become a significant driver of southwestern Pennsylvania's overall economy.
People
Congratulations to Steve Zylstra, his staff and the 1,500-plus members of the Pittsburgh Technology Council as they celebrate the organization's 20th anniversary.
People
The Idaho Economic Development Association has named Jan Rogers as new president.
People
Chris Capelli, currently director of the technology transfer office at University of Pittsburgh, is leaving to become vice president for technology transfer at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
People
Richard Lunak is the new CEO of Innovation Works and Ron Bianchini has been named chairman of the organization.
Pennyslvania Outlines Role and Function of Its TBED Portfolio
Is Pennsylvania getting enough bang -- or the right bang -- from its investments in promoting a tech-based economy? The state has been one of the nation's leading public investors in technology-based economic development (TBED) for more than 20 years. Programs have evolved and been added over the years as factors affecting innovation and private sector growth changed. The result is now Pennsylvania's researchers and entrepreneurs have a complex portfolio of public-private resources available to them.
Recent Research: A Response to the Morrison Paper on Leading Firms
Editor's Note: Last week's issue of the Digest included a Recent Research item, Are Leading Firms Team Players? that drew an animated reaction from a reader whose opinion SSTI holds in great respect because of his contributions to improving the understanding and delivery of technology-based economic development initiatives. As a result, Dr.
Pennsylvania Budget Includes Major Investments in Education; TBED Initiatives Pushed to Fall
As part of the budget deal agreed upon earlier this week between Gov. Ed Rendell and Pennsylvania lawmakers, two of the governor’s major TBED priorities - the Jonas Salk Legacy Fund and an alternative energy fund - will be voted on later this year.
People & TBED Organizations
Boise State University has tapped Mark Rudin as its new vice president for research.
People
Idaho Gov. Butch Otter selected James Ellick to head the Idaho Department of Commerce. Ellick brings a tech perspective to the department, having run four venture capital backed tech companies in Silicon Valley in his past.
People & TBED Organizations
George Burrell resigned as president and CEO of Innovation Philadelphia. Kelly Lee, the organization's executive vice president, is running day-to-day operations until Burrell's successor is named.
People & TBED Organizations
The Colorado Renewable Energy Collaboratory selected David Hiller as its first executive director.
People & TBED Organizations
The Rhode Island Manufacturers Association and the Rhode Island Manufacturing Summit have joined forces to serve as one voice for manufacturing in the state.
People & TBED Organizations
The Pittsburgh Technology Council appointed Audrey Russo as president and CEO.
People
The Supercentenarian Research Foundation, a new nonprofit organization based in Pittsburgh, has selected outgoing Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse CEO Doros Platika as its chaiman.
Pennsylvania Launches $90M to Boost Clean Energy Innovation
Many states are now pursuing seed and venture investment strategies to support the growth of clean energy businesses. Last month, Pennsylvania concluded a year-long series of meetings with private sector investors, financial experts, and nonprofit state energy funds and introduced a $90 million strategy to leverage public and private capital for renewable energy. The plan links economic development and environmental protection in a manner intended to promote the state as a leader in emerging clean energy industries.
People
Dr. Anthony Green has been appointed vice president of regional technology initiatives for Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
People
The Association of University Research Parks named the Science Center in Philadelphia "Outstanding Research Park of the Year."
People
Gov. Jim Risch has appointed Nor Rae Spohn to his science and technology advisory council.
People
The Hershey Center for Applied Research announced that Laura Butcher will serve as its first executive director, effective Jan. 3.
Programs Recruit, Train Workers and Youth for Critical ‘Middle Skill’ Jobs
Across the nation, policymakers, business leaders, private foundations and nonprofit groups are investing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduates to maintain a competitive U.S. workforce. From middle school math and science labs to engineering-centered summer camps and tuition reimbursement for undergraduates who pursue these fields, there is widespread support for STEM graduates.
People & TBED Organizations
James Ellick is taking a leave of absence as director of the Idaho Department of Commerce for personal reasons.
People
Steve Zylstra stepped down as CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council.
People
Beth Gorin stepped down as CEO of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation.