sfreiman (Stuart Freiman)

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Title: STAC meeting on May 1 will feature founder of Innovation Philadelphia (Forum)

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.

Recent Comments

Source: Gauging Providence-area interest in co-working (Forum) Submitted: July 3rd, 2008 - 10:56am link

Saw the new digs last week. Looks like it is going to be a great addition to the Providence space inventory. We're pulling for you and the idea!

Stuart

Source: Providence's Cutting Edge Mesh Network (Blog) Submitted: March 18th, 2008 - 11:11am link

Nice summary and great project. Because of my involvement in RI-WINs for three years, ubiquitous, border-to-border wireless broadband is a topic that is near and dear to my heart.

I've been watching this project since its inception and it is a great example of "Innovation at Scale" -- using the compact nature of Rhode Island to demonstrate how new ideas can be successfully implemented -- and become a showcase for the rest of the world.

Charlie and the City of Providence have been getting national and international attention and have been been invited to present to conferences and meetings around the world..

As I learned during the RI-WINs project -- the value of wireless broadband capability can be leveraged across ALL sectors -- public, private & education and I hope this project serves as an example for others in the state to consider these kinds of projects in their communities and across the state.     

Source: Google Maps Street View in Providence (Forum) Submitted: January 3rd, 2008 - 1:42pm link
Check out 1036 Atwells Ave
Source: Gauging Providence-area interest in co-working (Forum) Submitted: December 12th, 2007 - 3:44pm link

Jack Andrade,

I manage the IT/Digital Media sector for Rhode Island Economic Development. I'd be happy to speak with you about your proposed project(s) and see if we can help you with some information and ideas. Feel free to call me at 401-278-9168 or send email to sfreiman@riedc.com.

Stuart Freiman

Source: Special RI Nexus Breakfast Event Dec. 6th 8:30-10:30am - RSVP Today (Blog) Submitted: November 29th, 2007 - 12:26pm link

SSTI Weekly Digest “Planning Innovation Spaces” Special Issue
SSTI is the State Science & Technology Institute. They cover topics related to Technology Based Economic Development (TBED) on weekly basis. Just in time for our "Space Forum" next week they covered the topic of "Planning Innovation Spaces." The excerpt below is from the introduction to the issue which raises some very interesting questions. If you want to read the entire issue click on this link: http://www.ssti.org/Digest/digest.htm and then click on "Latest Digest Issue." See you at the event next week...Stuart 

"Edison had Menlo Park. Monet had the gardens at Giverny. Ubiquitous computing had PARC. To what extent were the great things that happened at each of these localities influenced by the places themselves? Reducing that question to economic development policy terms: Can the places of great creations be created by design? In this issue of the SSTI Weekly Digest, we examine how the design and planning of physical space can influence scientific discovery, individuals and research groups, and the performance of technology-based economic development (TBED) organizations. We combine concepts from many fields – including architecture, urban planning and, of course, economic development – to present various perspectives that may be of interest to the TBED community. Looking at research parks, as we do in one article below, you sense their growing importance as places of innovation. But drive through one of the nation’s larger research parks and one may feel a sense of separateness, as research facilities are often set on manicured lawns physically apart from each other. These places are working but how? Alternately, there are places so alive with energy, networking, discussions, buzz – whether it’s a certain café, happy hour spot, nightclub, or park or public gathering place ideal for lunching outdoors – that one can sense creativity and innovation taking place. Again the places are working, but why? As states and regions across the world are continuing the transition to a knowledge-based economy, what is the role of design and space planning? Can design positively spur creativity, collaboration, convergence of ideas, and scientific discovery? Can a building designed to increase such interaction be used effectively as a recruiting tool? And can the way various TBED organizations structure themselves within their environment boost their effectiveness? Join us, as we explore questions like these in this special issue of the SSTI Weekly Digest." 
Source: Gauging Providence-area interest in co-working (Forum) Submitted: October 31st, 2007 - 2:24pm link
Source: Gauging Providence-area interest in co-working (Forum) Submitted: October 30th, 2007 - 12:44pm link

In response to Jack & Colleen's posts, we are planning an event here at RIEDC (555 Valley St) for Thursday, Dec 6th, 8:30am to 10:30am. It will probably take the form of panel discussions with both real estate developers and the "user" community as well as participation from the audience. Mark your calendar's and watch for a more formal announcement.

Stuart