Saturday, October 09, 2004
Last summer, Governor Granholm in Michigan appointed a Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth. She charged the Commission with the task of developing initiatives to double the number of citizens with a post-secondary degree.
According to Granholm, "To compete in a global economy, a post-secondary degree or certificate is no longer an option – it’s essential."
This fall, the Commission started hearings around the state. One of the focal points: how to accelerate university-based economic development. Read more.
Earlier this week, the governor announced that she will award a University Award for Commercialization Excellence. The state will grant two $25,000 prizes to Michigan university researchers that successfully commercialize technology stemming from research at Michigan's public universities. Read more.
The strategy makes sense. Also this week, the University of Pennsylvania's technology transfer office reported that it was launching companies at a rate of about 14 new companies a year. Read more.
Michigan has a relatively strong research base at its universities, but a relatively weak record in generating start-up companies.
posted by Ed Morrison |
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Some Background on EDPro Weblog
The purpose of this weblog is to help economic development professionals -- EDPros -- keep up with the changes sweeping our profession. Strap on your goggles. It's a whole new game. There are no experts any more. The only place to learn about economic development is from other EDPros who are doing it.
One other point: the prevaling approach (paradigm, if you like) in economic development is shifting from competition to collaboration. There are a lot of reaasons underlying this shift, but here's the important insight: You, your community, and your region will do better by collaborating and sharing information.
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Speaking and workshops on Open Source Economic Development
As the idea of Open Source Economic Development starts spreading, more people are asking about it. Visit the I-Open web site to learn more. My colleagues and I are happy to explain the basic concepts in a talk or a workshop. E-mail Susan Alshuler if you'd like to learn more about workshops and speaking.
Background on Ed Morrison
Download some background information on me here.
Michigan commission explores tech transfer
