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The Secrets To Technology Success
by Maureen Sirhal
States aiming to boost their science and technology capacities must invest in research, bolster work skills and broaden existing business clusters, a task force for the National Governors Association (NGA) recommended.
At the conclusion of its annual meeting, the NGA's Task Force on State Leadership in the Global Economy unveiled guidelines in the form of three studies that aim to help states bolster new business opportunities and prepare for global economic markets.
"The dawning of the new century and the convergence of globalization, technology and deregulation have forced governors to ask important questions about the best way to govern in a global economy," Michigan Gov. John Engler said. "The reports we are releasing today are an excellent first step to helping governors address those complex issues."
One study discusses ways that states can harvest current expertise to expand business clusters into technology hotbeds.
"Companies in strong industry clusters can innovate more rapidly because they draw on the local networks that link technology, resources, information and talent," the report said. "The most common pitfall for state policymakers is to attempt to create new clusters where there are no pre-existing advantages to build upon. No cluster -- from furniture to textiles to semiconductors -- is inherently low-tech or less productive."
In particular, the report said states should use their individual sources of research expertise and help facilitate the transition of concluded projects into commercial products. The report also recommended that the states invest in higher-education research initiatives.
NGA's task force also unveiled two complimentary studies: "A Governor's Guide to Cluster-Based Economic Development" and "A Governor's Guide to Creating a 21st-Century Workforce." The first outlines policies to help states foster business clusters. Those recommendations dovetail with the final report, which urges states to partner with private firms to improve worker productivity, foster critical skills and create lifelong learning opportunities for workers.
The Nation's R&D Leaders
Much of the nation's research and development resources are concentrated in only six states, according to a June report by the National Science Foundation. Those states are California, Michigan, New York, Texas, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.
The study also found that the states that are rated highest in R&D spending also are ranked high in performance and often have excelled performance rates in both industrial and academic sectors.
In 1999, 86 percent of the nation's R&D expenditures were concentrated in 20 states. New Jersey, Illinois and Washington, along with six others, accounted for two-thirds of nation's R&D spending and performance.
At $48 billion, California ranked highest in spending, accounting for about one-fifth of the total research spending. Michigan and Maryland followed at $19 billion and $8 billion respectively.
California and Maryland also were the largest recipients of federal R&D funding. In 1999, California received 26 percent of the Defense Department's research funds. Maryland garnered 22 percent of Health and Human Services funding.
In related news, the Council on Competitiveness and NGA have signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue joint projects aimed at boosting technological innovation and economic strength within the states.
"Security and competitiveness are twin pillars of national strength -- but neither can be achieved in isolation," said F. Duane Ackerman, the chairman-elect of the council and chairman and CEO of the BellSouth. "State and local governments must work in concert with the private sector to protect our critical economic assets. We look forward to collaborating with the nation's governors to ensure a rising standard of living for all Americans."
All About Education
On another front, NGA adopted a policy of support for quality education for all students, including those with disabilities. The resolution coincides with Congress' work on a bill, H.R. 23, designed to aid the education of children with disabilities and enhance their preparation for the 21st-century economy.
Action on the legislation "provides an opportunity to refocus federal policy and strengthen the commitment to children with disabilities," said Mississippi Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, who co-chairs NGA's elementary and secondary school initiative. "The fact that this policy marks the first time in NGA history that the association has adopted a joint policy reflects the critical nature of this issue and the changing nature of education in America."
Among other goals, the policy calls for the federal government to fully fund disabilities education at 40 percent of the average per-pupil expenditure, instead of the current level of 17 percent. It also asks for more flexibility in implementing federal law on the subject and streamlining paperwork requirements.
At the conclusion of its annual meeting, NGA named Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton as its 2003 chairman. Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne was named vice chairman. Patton said he will focus on improving school performance.
Legislators' Agenda Includes Hot Tech Topics
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) will meet next week in Denver, and the hot topics among legislators will include increasing homeland security, streamlining state sales-taxes systems and improving education.
NCSL's Communications and Information Policy Committee also will host a series of panel discussions on technology issues, including cyber schools, privacy, e-government and the role of information technology in improving health care. Officials also will discuss homeland security in the context of 911 emergency services and the need for more spectrum for public safety.
The Wireless Way
The Washington Software Alliance (WSA) announced last week it will form a new wireless component to its work. The group held its first meeting this week, focusing on the wireless market in Europe.
Robert Frederick, the general manager of Amazon.com's Anywhere Group, and Brian Levin, the CEO of Mobliss, spoke at the event.
"The WSA's new Wireless Special Interest Group is all part of our broader wireless initiative targeted at bringing our wireless companies together to establish thought leadership for the market, as well explore opportunities for success," WSA President and CEO Kathy Wilcox said in a statement. "Outside the industry, I don't think many realize that Washington is a leader in wireless technology."
She cited the success of firms like McCaw Cellular, now part of AT&T, and major carriers like VoiceStream Wireless that are headquartered in Washington state.
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