Gillibrand plan sets path to push NY as high tech center
October 20, 2009 | By Gary Dymski | Newsday | Link to article
Saying New York is poised to lead the way in the high-tech economy of the future, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) Tuesday launched Innovation Agenda, a five-part economic plan she says will help generate future jobs for a highly skilled workforce.
Innovation Agenda -- which includes an investment in science, technology, engineering and math education and legislation to promote the growth of business incubators and research institutions -- is designed to prepare teachers and students toward developing into "the innovative leaders that New York needs to compete and win the global economy," Gillibrand said from her Washington, D.C., office.
The plan starts next Wednesday in Washington with the High-Tech Innovation Showcase that features companies and research institutions from across New York, including Brookhaven National Lab; the Long Island Forum for Technology; the Long Island Software and Technology Network; and Stony Brook University.
Ray Donnelly, deputy executive director of the Long Island Forum for Technology, said Gillibrand is showing vision in her support of a tech-driven initiative for the region.
"We believe the program of advanced manufacturing is critical," Donnelly said, "and that this showcase in front of decision-makers is the right place for us to be and the right thing for her to do."
Gillibrand's agenda is fueled by studies that show American students are falling behind in science, technology, engineering and math. Labor statistics say that eight of the nine fastest-growing jobs require science and technology skills, she said, but less than one-third of Americans are proficient in those subjects, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
Innovation Agenda also proposes legislation that will provide grants and funding to cluster-based economic development strategies; construction for new science parks and the expansion of existing ones; tax incentives for college students who choose to become secondary teachers in science and math; and undergraduate scholarships for college students who pursue degrees tied to science, technology, engineering and math.