In creating an Innovation Economy, it is sometimes useful to learn about what other regions are doing. In that context, the next Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC) will feature a presentation by Richard Bendis, founder of Innovation Philadelphia.

Innovation Philadelphia, a non-profit economic development organization that serves 11 counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and Delaware, is working to establish the Greater Philadelphia Region as a national leader and world-class destination for Creative Economy industries, businesses and talent. http://www.innovationphiladelphia.com/

Richard Bendis has extensive experience in tech-based economic development and has spent his career supporting the development and commercialization of new technologies.  As a leader in developing private/public sector partnerships such as Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation and Innovation Philadelphia, he has worked with technology companies through each phase of the technology life cycle. For more on his bio http://www.innovationphiladelphia.com/about-us/board.aspx#richard_bendis

At the meeting, Rich will address the common attributes and shared practices of Innovation Philadelphia and other leading national programs that are creating new companies and jobs.The meeting will be held on Thursday, May 1st from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon at the offices of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (315 Iron Horse Way) in Providence.

The agenda for this meeting will focus on STAC’s initiatives through the RI Research Alliance to increase Rhode Island’s statewide research platform. Other agenda items include:

·       Review of the Rhode Island Research Alliance 2008 initiatives
·       Demonstration of a new web portal tool
·       Update on RI EPSCoR activities
·       Progress report by the URI Commission on Research and Innovation

Of course we don't want you to leave for Philadelphia, but Richard’s presentation promises to be interesting and informative.