“How do we make the most significant difference for our regional economies?”

State, regional and university Technology-Based Economic Development (TBED) is at a crossroads. Many initiatives are celebrating major chronologic milestones at the same time new TBED elements – such as incubators, grant programs, research parks, equity funds – are popping up almost daily in more and more communities and universities.

While still a rapidly growing field, TBED practitioners, stakeholders and other policymakers also are asking “Where do we go from here?” The economy is changing – so are the challenges facing scientists, technologists, innovators and entrepreneurs. To stay ahead, every element of a regional innovation support system must evolve, and become smarter, more efficient.

So where does tech-based economic development go from here?

We will have answers at SSTI’s 12th Annual Conference this fall.

Our Most Complete Conference Yet – Offering Several Firsts
Already the premiere professional development experience for the community of organizations making strategic investments and services to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, SSTI's 2008 annual conference is going a step further to advance TBED. Just look:

• Four truly interactive special sessions focused on the future from the perspective of key TBED partners: industry, government, universities, and service providers. We’ll use instant polling and discussion with leaders in each area to explore how TBED policy and practice can address the challenges and opportunities facing the nation’s innovation system.
• Add those plenary sessions to a packed agenda of 15 engaging breakouts selected by SSTI’s members to ensure it is as relevant as possible for your organization today.
• Best Practices Galore with the 2nd annual Excellence Awards and a new TBED Hall of Success profiling the economic and social impacts that are resulting from state, regional and university initiatives.
• A diverse offering of networking opportunities with more than 300 of your peers from across the country – two great socializing receptions, optional dine-around dinner groups, morning exercise options in Hatha yoga and running, and even a large Wii Room and bar for evening unwinding with your colleagues and friends!
• Four preconference workshops to delve deeper into improving key TBED practices.
• A new team registration program that allows SSTI members to send multiple staff at great discounts. Join today to take advantage of this offer as well as to showcase your program’s accomplishments in the TBED Hall of Success.

This is the TBED community’s not-to-miss event of the year as once again more than 300 top TBED practitioners are expected to attend from across the entire United States.

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