Pew’s Center on the States’ new study Investing in Innovation examines how states have begun more customized R & D strategies in the face of reduced Federal research spending. In addition to surveying best practices among states, the study derives lessons from notable successes and provides guideposts for further state spending. The study discusses some basic but important topics - among them

*how to get higher education and the private sector to collaborate
*merit based approaches to making awards as opposed to political decision making
*developing transparent measurements of success and standards for accountabilty

My personal favorite observation in the Study -not every state can be a bioscience hub: “Build on the unique character of a state’s economy and needs—not every state can be a bioscience hub, so find the strengths and fund them.”

- Chris Carmody / Carmody & Company
www.christophercarmody.com