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CSTED Project Briefs Please click on the name of the project below to see a short description of the project.
21st Century Business Strategy for Samsung Corporation. SRI led a team of business consultants and economists in the development of a growth-oriented business strategy for Samsung Corporation for the 21st century. The SRI team began by identifying key economic, technological, consumer behavior and competitiveness drivers. This was followed by a scenario planning exercise to determine likely outcomes in business areas critical to Samsung. SRI then analyzed and laid out the relative growth prospects for five industries of major interest to Samsung, and assessed the strengths and weaknesses of competitor Fortune 500 firms in these industries. Finally, SRI recommended new corporate management practices and investment strategies, which were adopted by the Samsung Corporation in its corporate strategic planning. A Strategic Action Plan to Develop the Tourism and Entertainment Clusters in Hollywood, California. For the Mayor of Los Angeles, SRI defined the tourism industry and identified trends in industry employment, establishments, and payroll over the last five years. SRI facilitated public/private sector working groups to identify the key issues facing the industry and craft solutions. The project resulted in the creation of a non-profit corporation, the Hollywood Economic Alliance, which is currently implementing the following eight Action Plans: Business Improvement District; Business Incubation & Assistance; Destination Marketing and Visitor Center; Keeping Our Streets Safe; Hollywood Business Team (Retention); Hollywood Education and Training Partnership; Hollywood Public Relations Campaign; and Smart Hollywood (Infrastructure). A Strategic Plan for Attracting Chemicals, Plastics, and Rubber Industry Investment in the State of Victoria: For the state government of Victoria (Australia), SRI prepared a strategic plan for attracting Chemicals, Plastics, and Rubber (CPR) investment to Victoria over the next 5-10 years. Agenda for a Dynamic Economy: State Strategies for Innovation and Change. In a project for the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration, SRI worked with the Council of State Planning Agencies (CSPA) to assist public and private leaders at the state level in understanding changing economic realities and developing more appropriate economic development strategies. This project produced practical guidance materials on such important development strategies as applying emerging technologies to mature industry, promoting entrepreneurship, targeting new technology development, and linking economic and human-capital development strategies. An Evaluation of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Institution-wide Reform of Undergraduate Education Initiative: The NSF Institution-wide Reform initiative was launched in 1995 to encourage reforms in undergraduate science, math, engineering and technology education throughout the United States. Through competitive grants, NSF funded campuses that demonstrated reforms that would permeate the entire culture of an academic institution. SRI examined how awardee institutions, ranging from two year colleges to research universities, undertook comprehensive curricular reform, pedagogical reform, and occasionally reform of tenure policies. SRI prepared an overall assessment of the Institution-wide Reform initiative’s national impact, as well as case studies detailing various strategies that awardees used to improve undergraduate science and mathematics education across disciplines. Analysis of a Privatization Transaction in Sri Lanka: At the request of the Investment Office of USAID, SRI economists undertook an economic analysis of the privatization of a tire monopoly in Sri Lanka to assess the feasibility of providing a U.S. Government-backed loan guarantee to support the privatization. The SRI team assessed the economic costs and benefits of the privatization transaction, as well as the projected profitability of the privatized firm. Apparel Export Promotion Program for Uruguay: SRI conducted detailed market studies for apparel manufacturers in Uruguay to expand their sales in the United States, Germany, and Spain, and designed separate strategies for expanding apparel export sales to these markets. Asian Science and Technology Report: National Science Foundation, USA In the last decade, Asian countries have made rapid strides on many science and technology (S&T) indicators. SRI is assisting National Science Foundation in preparing a chartbook focused on Asian S&T. The chartbook will present data from 1990 to the present on the range of issues covered in Science and Engineering Indicators. It will also include comparisons with S&T indicators for the United States and Europe. SRI is currently working on compiling quantitative national S&T data on ten Asian countries, collecting basic demographic and other information on these countries, and preparing narrative descriptions of the S&T systems in each country for National Science Foundation. The report will include discussion of key economic, social, higher education, and legal (e.g., intellectual property rights) issues that bear directly on S&T. (National Science Foundation, USA) Assessment and Strategic Planning for Alberta Technology Centers. SRI evaluated three provincial research centers -- in telecommunications, microelectronics, and advanced manufacturing. SRI reviewed the centers' objectives, strategies, organization, and accomplishments in supporting industry growth. One recommendation to redirect investment saved the province nearly $20 million. Assessment of High Technology Industry Assistance. SRI identified and quantified government support programs for high technology industries in Japan, Europe, and the United States. SRI surveyed support in defense, aerospace, biotechnology, information technology, advanced industrial materials, and advanced manufacturing technology. Assessment of R&D Performance of the Communications Research Laboratory in Japan. This project provided an international assessment of the research and development (R&D) performance of the Communications Research Laboratory (CRL), a leading Japanese research institute that conducts a wide range of basic and applied research. SRI assessed the international standing of CRL’s specific R&D areas relative to international leaders. The approach of this analysis is guided by the observation that the international standing of a laboratory is based not on the work of the majority of its staff but rather on the highly visible accomplishments of its most creative and productive scientists and research groups. Their work, and the recognition of its impact on the specific fields of research or technology, constitute the “peaks of excellence” visible to the scientific community and serve as the foundations on which the international reputation of the laboratory is built. The focus of this analysis will be on the quality of CRL’s contributions to science and technology and the international recognition of CRL’s top researchers and project teams. Benchmarking South Africa for Labor-Intensive Development: For the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa, SRI benchmarked South Africa's strengths and weaknesses in developing labor-intensive industries. The study team undertook both quantitative benchmarking and international case studies analysis. SRI identified preliminary action plans in six different industries which we believe offered the best prospects for rapidly increasing employment in South Africa. Bosnia-Herzegovina Industry Cluster Development Initiative: In this project sponsored by USAID/Bosnia, SRI assessed seven candidate industry clusters and identified two clusters with significant growth potential – tourism and wood/furniture – for full implementation. Through a series of industry stakeholder meetings, priority competitiveness and growth initiatives were identified in each target cluster, and cluster working groups were formed to spearhead implementation of these initiatives. The implementation phase included targeted activities such as capacity building in marketing, advertising, and packaging; enhancing country-level promotion at major international trade fairs; firm-level assistance on product development; workforce development; training on international technical standards; developing long-term promotional strategies for regional niche; and improving the policy environment. Building on Strength: A Vision and Strategy for Achieving "Quality Queensland." SRI analyzed the status and prospects for Queensland, Australia's economy in the 1990s and beyond. Detailed studies were undertaken of five sectors of the state's economy: agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, and services. Additional studies were made of Queensland's economic infrastructure. After gathering input from stakeholders in both the public and private sectors, a comprehensive economic development strategy was formulated to guide decisions and allocate resources toward a vision of the state termed "Quality Queensland." Building Prosperity: A Five-Part Economic Strategy for Hong Kong's Future. SRI assessed the status of Hong Kong's economy and how it is likely to develop as it moves toward 1997. SRI examined key elements of the territory's economic infrastructure to determine what investments and policy changes are required to position Hong Kong for economic success in a changing environment. SRI specifically analyzed the key issues involved in the increasing interface between Hong Kong and China. SRI issued a major report outlining an economic strategy for the future. After extensive consultation with the Hong Kong business community and government, and Chinese leaders, SRI later prepared a detailed implementation report, which has had a significant influence on business and government. Business Assistance to Palestinian Enterprises in West Bank and Gaza: SRI assessed the needs of Palestinian business in West Bank and Gaza in the areas of business training, firm-level technical assistance, and market information, and designed a program to provide targeted assistance to manufacturing enterprises in the territories. Catalyzing Next-Generation Cluster Implementation. SRI was invited by The World Bank to present a workshop at an international conference on "Cluster Implementation for Practitioners." SRI presented recent research on identifying emerging clusters, attracting foreign direct investment to targeted gaps in clusters, and generating public/private support for cluster implementation. Cluster-Based Economic Development Strategy for Iowa: SRI Identified opportunities in fast-growing, high-tech, high-wage industries and industry segments in Iowa, including the Biotechnology, Life Sciences, and Information Technology clusters. The team assessed Iowa’s competitiveness, and economic, technology and institutional infrastructure supporting the target industry clusters. SRI then created a strategic plan for Iowa to stimulate growth in those sectors, including public-private R&D partnerships, human resource development, and supply chain management strategies. Colombia: Business Start-Up Regulations Reform: For the Inter-American Development Fund, the Swiss foundation FUNDES, and the Bogota Chamber of Commerce, SRI benchmarked international business start-up procedures, with an emphasis on policies and procedures affecting micro, small and medium enterprises. SRI evaluated Bogota's start-up environment, analyzed worldwide experience with start-up regime reform, and provided a strategy for improving Bogota's and Colombia's business start-up legal framework. Community Support for New Enterprise Development. SRI undertook a unique technical assistance demonstration project in the state of Illinois to help communities support new enterprise by strategically developing public-private infrastructure that responds to the needs of new firms. The project took five demonstration communities in Illinois through a process by which they could identify potential entrepreneurs and market opportunities, evaluate how well existing providers met the needs of new firms, and design strategies to fill the unmet needs of new firms. The project led to the publication of the guide Community Support for New Enterprise Development, which is currently in use to assist other communities. A national conference was held to review the findings of this demonstration project. Comprehensive Tourism Development Blueprints for the Czech and Slovak Republics. SRI crafted strategic, long-term tourism development plans for the Czech and Slovak Republics. The team identified market segments for targeting and designed a marketing strategy for those segments. The tourism development plans included initiatives for new product development; labor force training needs assessment; community-based tourism development; heritage tourism; and environmentally sustainable tourism development. Significant resources were invested into providing cluster government officials and training specialists with a panoramic understanding of their countries’ place in the international tourism industry. Connecticut Tourism Product Development Strategy. SRI crafted a Tourism Product Development Strategic Plan to guide the overall development of the industry in the State of Connecticut. SRI outlined significant trends in the tourism industry; reviewed case studies of successful product development strategies in other states across the county; and conducted a SWOT analysis of Connecticut’s tourism sector. SRI’s Ten Year Implementation Plan identified strategic investment opportunities; defined criteria for state investments; outlined outreach and growth strategies for existing tourism assets; recommended transportation enhancements; assessed training and education needs; and described initiatives, schedules, organizational responsibilities, and measurable benchmarks to enhance industry competitiveness in the state. Creating a New Economy for Maribor and Eastern Slovenia. SRI was asked by the Slovenian government to identify a set of industries where Maribor and Slovenia would have competitive economic advantages, and define an economic development program to support growth of these industries. SRI analyzed each of the existing industry clusters in the city and the city's economic foundations, and identified six industries in which the city had competitive strengths and growth potential. SRI laid out a long-term development program, helped the city organize an economic development organization, and assisted in applications for aid from European and international economic funding agencies. Creating an Opportunity Economy: Integrated Strategic Plan for Austin, Texas. The Austin Chamber of Commerce asked SRI to assist in evaluating the city's long-term prospects for high-technology economic development and diversification. SRI benchmarked the Austin economy, identified issues of local concern, and formulated a long-range strategic plan containing recommendations on key economic, technology, infrastructure, and quality of life issues for the city. The final report served as a key part of Austin's successful economic development approach for more than five years. Dallas Metroplex Higher Education Evaluation and Benchmark Study. For the Dallas Citizen’s Council, SRI conducted an evaluation of higher education in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area. The study was designed to inform the Council’s strategy to create a Tier 1 university in the region, and to guide future state spending requests. The study identified the key strengths and weaknesses of four public universities in North Texas, and identified models and options for possible structural changes in the region’s higher education system. A focus was placed on developing world-class research capabilities relevant to the region’s commercial base. Defense Conversion Plan for Homestead Air Force Base, Florida. SRI developed a strategy for the reintegration of the Homestead Air Force Base into the local economy. SRI assessed the site's competitiveness assets and liabilities, developed and assessed a list of alternative reuses based on successful past base closures as well as an analysis of site characteristics, and recommended a cluster of reuses. Des Moines Agribusiness Park: Strategic Elements for Successful Development. SRI worked with the City of Des Moines to create a cluster-based development strategy for the Des Moines Agribusiness Park, a new technology/industrial park being developed on a brownfields site by the City of Des Moines and public/private stakeholders. This strategy drew on lessons learned from successful technology parks and agribusiness clusters around the United States, and integrated the results attained from SRI’s earlier industry cluster analysis carried out for the State of Iowa. Inputs from park stakeholders were also incorporated to create a strategy that focused on creating a value-added physical environment, offering critical park services and amenities, using effective marketing and investment attraction techniques, and developing an appropriate mix of target industries for the park. Developing a World-Class Hotel Classification System for Bahrain. For the Kingdom of Bahrain, SRI developed a new comprehensive, quality-oriented, internationally comparable and acceptable hotel classification and rating system. The new classification was designed based on analysis of international hospitality trends and recognized best practices, and an assessment of the current Bahraini system. The team developed mechanisms to measure the standards of existing and future properties in a systematic and objective manner, outlined an enforcement/inspection system that is supported by law, and provided initial evaluation ratings for each lodging property in Bahrain. The new system is designed to enhance the tourism image of Bahrain by enabling prospective visitors to easily understand and differentiate between the different types and quality of accommodations available. In addition, it is intended to facilitate hotel investment in Bahrain according to a clear understanding of quality standards. Developing an Integrated Technology Strategy for the Optoelectronics Cluster of the Jena Region of Germany. SRI catalyzed the participation of the German government and industry leaders to design and assist in the implementation of a technology strategy to restructure Jena's optical and precision-instruments industry and diversify the economy. SRI benchmarked Jena's technical and industrial capabilities and identified new business opportunities and industry/government investment needs. SRI drafted an overall economic development plan integrated with a technology strategy, and a marketing program to attract foreign investment to the region. Dominican Republic Investment Climate Diagnostic Review: For FIAS of the World Bank, SRI conducted a review of the foreign direct investment (FDI) climate of the Dominican Republic. SRI assessed the business climate of the Dominican Republic, focusing on the policy and legal framework, benchmarked the Dominican Republic with competing locations and recommended policy and strategic measures to enhance the Dominican Republic’s competitiveness as a location for FDI. Economic Development Strategy for Dominican Republic. For the Dominican Republic Investment Promotion Council, SRI developed an investment and export-led economic development strategy for this Caribbean nation. SRI first assessed the nation's competitive advantages, and then identified industry subsectors likely to be attracted by the country's economic attributes. SRI marketed the nation's industrial sites to U.S., Japanese, European, and Latin American investors, developing a database of over 2000 qualified investment leads, attracting $112.2 million in foreign investment, and generated over 30,000 jobs (an average of 150 jobs/week over a period of four years). Economic Effects and Feasibility Evaluation of the Earth Systems Science Plaza. On behalf of California State University at Monterey Bay (CSUMB), SRI’s Economics Practice and Higher Education Program joined forces to conduct a comprehensive feasibility assessment and impact study for an integrated Earth Systems Science Plaza at CSUMB. SRI assessed the viability and key elements of three components to be included in the Plaza – a new educational facility, an Earth Observatory (science museum), and a science business park – all utilizing CSUMB’s unique Earth systems science capabilities. SRI prepared a vision and roles for the Plaza, evaluated the prospective usage of the three components, revenues generated from them, and costs involved in order to determine the Plaza’s economic feasibility. SRI then prepared a detailed “roll-out” plan for bringing the Plaza to fruition. As a result of SRI’s analysis, the University is moving forward to implement the Plaza concept. Economic Impact of a Golf-Based Resort on the Curaçao Economy. On behalf of the Central Bank of the Netherlands Antilles, SRI conducted a comprehensive economic impact study to determine the effects and benefits of a proposed tourism resort, to include a Pete Dye-designed, 18-hole golf course. SRI developed a tailored economic model, and calculated the micro, sectoral and macro impacts of this resort, which could serve as a catalyst to accelerating tourism growth on Curacao. Economic Impacts and Benefits of a Biotechnology Park Development in Kobe, Japan. On behalf of the City of Kobe, SRI collaborated with Bechtel Corporation to plan a biomedical cluster strategy and park development plan for Kobe. The SRI team identified industry trends, opportunities, and market niches that fit with Kobe’s strengths. SRI developed strategic development and investment attraction plans that involved major stakeholders, including the city government, business leaders, a consortium of Japanese universities, private and public-funded research facilities, potential venture capital providers, airport development authority, and the port authority. A major part of this study was the preparation of a detailed economic impact assessment. Egypt Tourism Workforce Development: SRI designed and managed the implementation of a large-scale tourism workforce training program in Egypt, in collaboration with the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Federation of Egyptian Tourism Industries, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. This highly successful program trained more than 10,000 hospitality workers in an 18-month period on international hospitality standards. SRI designed the training program structure, provided ongoing evaluations and impact assessments, and developed a financial model to help the Federation design a financially sustainable training structure for the hospitality industry. Egypt Workforce Cluster Development Strategy. A workforce development team from SRI International and PricewaterhouseCoopers assessed the workforce competitiveness challenges in three industry clusters in Egypt: including information technology; agribusiness; and tourism. The workforce development team assessed workforce “demand” conditions such as current skill levels and skills gaps. The team also assessed current educational “supply” strengths and weaknesses. Based on the assessment, SRI developed stakeholder-driven action plans to enhance competitiveness in three industry clusters, and to bridge the gap between what educational/ training providers are supplying, and what industry is demanding in terms of skilled human capital. Enhancing Technology's Impact on Economic Development. SRI administered a major three-year project designed to assist the U.S. Agency for International Development to enhance the economic development impact of technology. SRI undertook both basic and applied research, including work on intellectual property rights and transfers of environmental technology. Eritrea Foreign Investor Perception Survey: SRI International worked with the Foreign Investment Advisory Service (FIAS) of the World Bank to conduct a Potential Investor Perception Survey for the Government of Eritrea. The main objective of the Survey was to provide the Government with a better understanding of how potential investors such as the Eritrean Diaspora and foreign firms with potential interest in Eritrea, view Eritrea as a possible location for investment. Evaluating New York State Centers for Advanced Technology Program. SRI assessed the relationship between the CAT program and the state's economic development objectives, as well as the structure, administration, and achievements of the program and each of the state's ten centers for advanced technology. SRI developed appropriate metrics to assess desired results. Results of this study were used to support continuation of the program into a second decade. Evaluation of NSF’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. NSF requested that SRI study the range and types of research experiences available to undergraduates, why individuals (faculty and students) choose to participate in these experiences, and the effects that the experiences have on students’ academic and career decisions. The number of such programs has grown fourfold in the past decade, and they embody a variety of objectives based on providing undergraduate students with research opportunities that enhance their understanding of science and the research process. A major objective is to encourage more minorities and other young people to choose career paths in science and technology. However, although some students inevitably decide that research is not for them, this is not necessarily considered a negative outcome as these students generally come away with a greater understanding of S&T and often acquire skills useful in life and other careers. Evaluation of the Partnership Program of Title II of the Higher Education Act. The U.S. Department of Education is sponsoring three different grant programs designed to encourage colleges of education and colleges of arts and sciences to improve the recruitment, training, retention, and professional development of the American teaching force. The three programs encourage reforms in teacher accountability, efforts to improve pre-service teacher training in content, pedagogy, and uses of technology, and productive partnerships between school districts, colleges of education, and colleges of arts and sciences. In our evaluation of the three programs, the SRI team has reviewed grantees’ annual progress reports, surveyed grant leaders, school district administrators, administrators of individual schools, and deans and faculty at colleges of education and arts and sciences to gather data on the best improvements in teacher education sponsored by the grants. SRI has also conducted site visits to campuses, school district offices, and individual schools to witness reforms in the training of pre-service and in-service teachers and to thus inventory the most successful practices. The evaluations of the State and Recruitment grant programs are completed. The evaluation of the Partnership grants program is a five-year project and is nearing the end of the third year. (Department of Education) Export-Oriented Investment Promotion for Australia: SRI prepared a comprehensive strategy for Australia to promote new investment in three sectors: Food processing, minerals processing, and automotive components. The project included an assessment of Australia's competitive strengths and weaknesses in relation to competitor countries, as well as a detailed organizational plan for the initiative. Financial Market Changes and Impact on Small Businesses: In a research project funded by the Ford Foundation, SRI conducted a thorough assessment of recent U.S. financial market developments and their impact on small business financing. SRI identified the continuing obstacles faced by small businesses, analyzed the forces driving changes in the financial services industry and drafted a set of recommendations addressing both supply side and demand side barriers for policymakers and financial institutions to expand small business financing. Forecasting Malaysia’s Science and Technology Human Resources and Research and Development Investment Needs Leading to the Year 2020: Funded by the United Nations Development Program and conducted for the Malaysian Ministry of Science, Technology, and the Environment, this two-year study involved an assessment of Malaysia’s current level of human resources in science and technology, as well as ongoing investment in R&D, using a variety of techniques. An econometric model was developed to determine the country’s needs in order to achieve its ambitious investment goals. In addition to documenting a substantial and ongoing shortage of S&T human resources, the study made a number of recommendations to improve the country’s S&T infrastructure and resources. Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program. SRI is in the process of conducting an outcome assessment of the Visiting Fulbright Scholars Program. The program provides support for foreign scholars and professionals to come to the United States to conduct research or teach in U.S. institutions. The assessment has entailed developing a sample of grantees from 1980 to 2000 in 16 countries, conducting interviews and focus groups with former grantees from most of those countries, and designing and conducting a survey of grantee. The survey is just about to be closed out, after which SRI will analyze survey findings and prepare a final report and executive summary. Global Assessment of Technology Infrastructure. SRI has applied computer modeling of scientific literature databases to S&T policy assessments of the development of indicators related to S&T/economic development linkages; analysis of research activity in developing countries; NSF cooperative science programs in Italy and India; the identification of strong research activity in German science; the identification of European centers of materials research activity; the examination of scientific mobility in biotechnology, especially between universities and industry; and the generation of profiles describing private and governmental organizations' research. Global Benchmarking of Government Support for Technology-Based Industry. SRI evaluated the technology and industry support programs of two Asian nations, ten U.S. states, and four European countries. Included in the evaluation were venture capital programs, business incubators, university-industry research programs, technology-based industry parks, and technology education and awareness programs Global Impacts Of Fedex On The New Economy. For the FedEx Corporation, a team of SRI economists conducted a comprehensive study to assess the FedEx’s impacts on the New Economy. The assessment covered four impact areas: business impacts, consumer impacts, transportation/logistics industry impacts, and macroeconomic impacts. The study measured a corporation’s impacts beyond traditional yardsticks, such as shareholder value, profits, employment, and tax contributions. In addition to conducting conventional economic analyses, the study team utilized impact modules, qualitative assessments, analytical constructs, and other innovative approaches to provide a comprehensive look at both New Economy and Old Economy influences and benefits generated by FedEx. A number of overriding New Economy the themes were addressed in detail, including just-in-time inventory management, productivity growth, customer fulfillment, and the power of information technologies in transportation and logistics management. Government Support for Technology-Based Industry. For the ministry of Industry, Science, and Technology of Canada, SRI evaluated the technology and industry support programs of ten U.S. states, four European countries, and two Asian countries, that have had active technology-based economic development programs for over ten years. Included in the evaluation were venture capital programs, business incubators, university-industry research programs, technology-based industry parks, and technology education and awareness programs. SRI concluded that such initiatives can be effective in promoting regional development if they target specific industries for support, complement other regional resources, and include industry managers in direction and planning of the initiatives. Grameen Bank Ownership Transfer Assessment in Nepal: Under funding by USAID/Nepal, SRI assessed the performance of the majority government- owned Grameen Bikas Banks (GBBs) in Nepal, and determined whether privatization might make them more effective. SRI made recommendations on how to proceed with an ownership change that would have the most favorable impact on the financial and operational integrity of the Grameen Bank. ICT Growth Strategy for the State of Georgia. To support the development of Georgia’s Yamacraw initiative to stimulate the state’s information and communications technology sector, SRI prepared a detailed ICT industry cluster assessment, identifying both inputs and outputs of the state’s ICT sector. In addition, SRI assessed five successful state/regional ICT cluster case studies, and drew lessons for application in Georgia. Identifying Top Undergraduate Engineering and Computer Science Programs: For a major computer company, SRI developed a system for evaluating the quality of undergraduate programs in five fields of engineering and computer science. The algorithm SRI developed included various quality indicators (e.g., number of faculty publications, rated effectiveness of graduate programs) and enrollment data that took into account not only numbers of graduating seniors but also numbers of minority and female students in the graduating class. Once the system was developed, data was used from the National Research Council, the National Center for Education Statistics (the Integrated Postsecondary Education System database), and the American Association of Engineering Societies (the Engineering and Technology Enrollment database) to rank more than 400 U.S. colleges and universities that have programs in the fields relevant to the client’s interests. IFC Life Sciences Opportunities and Challenges Assessment. SRI assisted the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private investment arm of the World Bank, in creating its Life Sciences Investment Program. The team first identified the particular life sciences/biotech market segments in which member countries have a comparative advantage. SRI then provided the IFC with investment guidelines, recommending business models and methods of financing most appropriate for this sector. In a follow-on project based on SRI’s recommended joint-venture model, the team surveyed North American, European and Japanese life science companies to identify potential partners for the IFC and to arrange meetings. Industrial Growth Strategy in Papua New Guinea: SRI designed an industrial growth strategy for the government of Papua New Guinea. SRI assessed the policy, infrastructure, and cost structure constraints to industrial growth in PNG and proposed strategies for overcoming these constraints. Industry Cluster-Based Economic Strategy for Chihuahau, Mexico. SRI worked with government and private sector leaders in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico to craft a cluster-based economic development plan. The SRI team assessed the state’s economic foundations, identified high potential industry clusters, and designed a series of growth-oriented initiatives to stimulate economic activities in Chihuahua. Intellectual Property Right Adjudication in the Philippines: In collaboration with a team of Philippine intellectual property rights (IPR) attorneys, SRI led a study to examine the IPR adjudication process in the Philippines with the objective to improve the investment and business environment in the country. The team worked with local IPR enforcement agencies and advocacy groups in assessing the adjudication procedures of IPR cases, provided legal and procedural recommendations, and led a series of workshops and symposia to advocate IPR reform in the Philippines. International Benchmarking of Material Science/ Nanotechnology: National Institute of Material Science: NIMS, Japan SRI examined the material science/nanotechnology activities and policies in the United States and United Kingdom. For each country, SRI looked at the policies and priorities related to material science/nanotechnology, and identified the leading research centers and technical focus areas. The project included an analysis of literature related to material science/nanotechnology policies and priorities; a bibliometric analysis of material science/nanotechnology research; and interviews with leading technical and policy experts in material science/nanotechnology. Results were presented at a seminar in Tokyo. (National Institute of Material Science: NIMS, Japan) Investment and Trade Strategy for Australia. For the Australian Trade Commission, SRI prepared a comprehensive national strategy for Australia to promote investment and trade in three sectors: Food processing, minerals processing, and automotive components. SRI conducted an assessment of Australia's strengths and weaknesses in relation to competitor countries, and developed detailed policy, regulatory, and program modifications to enhance competitiveness. Jamaican Free Zone Marketing Campaign: SRI assisted Jamaican free zones to enhance their competitiveness by assessing the zones' competitive advantages, identifying high priority target markets, designing a marketing program, and training program zone staff. Joint Venture: Silicon Valley. SRI mobilized and managed this public/private partnership dedicated to revitalize Silicon Valley's major industries. Working groups were organized to concentrate on eight industry clusters and six economic foundation areas. SRI coordinated the design of specific strategic initiatives in telecommunications, education, regulation, and other critical issues. SRI's work in stimulating and institutionalizing technology-based economic development in Silicon Valley has served as a prime example and benchmark for countless development efforts around the United States. Kazakstan Investment Summit: Under funding from Chevron Petroleum Incorporated, SRI organized and facilitated an investment summit in Almaty Kazakstan. SRI made an assessment of the county's overall investment climate, its current investment law, and made recommendations for its investment promotion strategy. SRI identified high-priority investment opportunities in various sectors. Kentucky Policy Framework for Entrepreneurial Development. In this project sponsored by the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation, SRI conducted an audit of the state’s policy framework for encouraging entrepreneurial development. SRI identified barriers that impede the commercialization of technology and the start-up and growth of innovative Kentucky companies. Following the SRI project work, the state government made a number of changes to encourage seed capital, stimulate new starts, and commercialize new technologies. KIST—Technology Management Strategy: Korean Institute of Science & Technology: KIST, Korea. SRI and SRIC collaborated to assist KIST in assessing its technology management practice and developing a technology portfolio strategy with supporting organizational structures and human resources at KIST, using knowledge of "best practices." During phase one, the study team conducted a Technology Management Diagnostic at KIST through a series of focus groups to help articulate KIST's mission, and to assess its strengths and weaknesses in the areas of technology management, organizational structure, leadership, human resources, and linkages to end-users. International best practices in managing technology R&D portfolios were examined to draw useful lessons for KIST. Phase two of the project resulted in a balanced technology portfolio strategy for KIST. During phase three the study team provided institutional development and training which helped to align policies structures and procedures at KIST with its strategic direction. (Korean Institute of Science & Technology Policy: KIST, Korea) Lebanon Economic Growth Strategy and Industry Cluster Development. For the past five years, SRI has been working with public and private sectors in Lebanon to achieve accelerated, sustainable economic growth, under support from USAID Lebanon. SRI began by identifying key, export-oriented industries – tourism, business services, and agribusiness – and organized key stakeholder leadership groups to determine the strengths and weaknesses of economic foundations and to craft growth-oriented initiatives. Since that time, SRI teams have provided implementation assistance to improve the competitiveness and growth prospects of the three industry clusters. Major initiatives in the tourism sector include the establishment of a National Tourism Council; preparation and passage of a new hotel classification and rating system; crafting a new brand image for nature and rural-based tourism; development and marketing of new tour packages with local tour operators; development and launch of a national tourism website; design of regional tourism development strategies in key geographic regions in Lebanon; extensive international and domestic marketing initiatives; and provision of hospitality skills training for small tourism-related businesses. Egypt Tourism Workforce Development and Training. Over 2002-2004, SRI provided support to the Federation of Egyptian Tourism Industries on a number of tourism workforce enhancement initiatives, including: pilot training initiative on Destination Marketing; case studies on how companies faced and overcame HR development challenges in Egypt; conducting workforce demand and training demand surveys, and others. These initiatives laid the foundation for a larger training program to develop workforce skills for line-level workers in the industry. In partnership with the Education Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, SRI co-led the follow-up initiative that trained more than 9,000 workers in Egyptian 2- to 4-star hotels during 17 months of implementation. Upon project completion, the training program was transferred to ongoing, independent management by the Federation of Egyptian Tourism Industries for long-term sustainability. Lessons from the U.S. Experience with Start-up Companies and Tech Transfer from Government-funded Laboratories: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology: AIST, Japan. For the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Japan, SRI gathered, analyzed, and summarized the experience of U.S. universities, government laboratories, and other research institutes in creating venture-type start-up companies. SRI also analyzed and summarized the U.S. experience in developing effective, mutually beneficial R&D and technology relationships between government-supported laboratories (including university-based laboratories) and industry. SRI synthesized these analyses into a set of conclusions and practical suggestions for research organizations and government agencies, and presented the work in a half-day symposium in Tokyo. (National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology: AIST, Japan) Life Sciences Matchmaking Services: SRI assisted the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in identifying and approaching the most promising investment opportunities in the life sciences/biotech industry in its member countries. The strategy recommended which business models and methods of financing are most appropriate for this sector, and how the IFC could minimize risk while understanding the attractiveness of segments and countries. Literature Review of Documents on National Workforce Policies: The governing body of NSF, the National Science Board, has asked SRI to assist a Task Force established to assess long term national workforce trends and needs in science and engineering and their relationship to existing Federal Policies. Under the project, SRI studied: Making Philadelphia the Leading Metropolitan Region on the East Coast. For Greater Philadelphia First, SRI assisted community leaders in their efforts to define a technology-based strategic economic development strategy for the Philadelphia metropolitan area. SRI benchmarked Philadelphia with competitors, and helped GPF define a long-term economic vision and goals for the region, as well as specific business plans for relevant initiatives. Medical Industry Development Initiative in Kobe, Japan. On behalf of the City of Kobe, SRI prepared a comprehensive plan for the establishment of a biomedical industry park in the city. SRI determined high potential industry cluster segments, provided best practices of 10 successful U.S. regional biotechnology clusters, and crafted a detailed investment promotion and institutional plan. SRI also crafted a unique economic impact model to forecast the benefits (employment, tax revenue, local purchases, etc.) associated with the biomedical park under different growth scenarios. Michigan Technical Workforce Development Incentives. In this study funded by Michigan Economic Development Corporation, SRI reviewed the state’s post-secondary financial incentives, policies and programs that support technical careers. The study also reviewed the federal resources that were being leveraged by the state, its students, and other potential technical workers. A set of national best practices in the design of vocational education incentives was compiled. The results of the study were used to assist the state align all available financial resources to ensure that they make technical careers more attractive, desirable and achievable for young people entering the workforce. Mid-Term Review of the Tax Holiday Scheme in South Africa: SRI collaborated with the University of Stellenborsch to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of South Africa’s tax holiday scheme in attracting new investment to South Africa and directly contributed to the eventual adoption of a new tax holiday scheme by the Government of South Africa. Monitoring & Evaluation - Egypt GTG – SEGIR: SRI provided monitoring and evaluation services to USAID/Egypt through a series of competitive contracts in the management of its Growth Through Globalization (GTG) Results Package encompassing a $135 million set of programs designed to stimulate Egyptian private sector-led export growth. Multimedia Industry Cluster Development in Hollywood, CA. SRI identified business opportunities in multimedia entertainment and edutainment for Cluster Working Groups in Hollywood, CA. SRI found that presenting industry-specific business opportunities along with detailed benchmarking on industry-specific economic foundations engendered significant interest in the Cluster Working Groups. SRI was able to catalyze private sector commitment to the cluster process by serving as the "research arm" of the Working Groups. Namibia Scenario Planning. SRI International carried out a scenario development exercise to assist in the evaluation of ongoing USAID economic development activities and to inform the strategic planning process for ongoing development assistance. For this exercise, SRI conducted research on the current situation, trends, and high impact variables shaping the economic, political, social, regional, and environmental dimensions of the country. A “most likely” scenario for Namibia was developed, as well as a range of alternative scenarios. These scenarios were presented to government, private sector and NGO stakeholders at workshops hosted by USAID/Namibia. The output from these workshops was a set of forward-looking recommendations generated by participants. These recommendations outline significant actions to be taken, in public-private collaboration, on high-priority issues that would lead to the best development outcome for the country. National Export Plan for Guatemala: SRI developed a comprehensive National Plan for the development and promotion of Exports. This effort included detailed recommendations for policy, regulatory and institutional reforms aimed at stimulating Guatemalan exports. New Directions for U.S. Latin America Cooperation in Science and Technology. This study, mandated by the U.S. Congress, analyzes S&T capabilities in Latin America, focusing on five fields (astronomy, physics, geosciences, biological sciences, and engineering) in five of the most scientifically active Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Venezuela). Possibilities for joint scientific initiatives of mutual benefit to Latin America and the United States are explored in detail, along with options for effective mechanisms to implement these initiatives. Next Michigan Benchmarks: Measuring Michigan’s Competitiveness. A team of economists from SRI International recently assisted the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to benchmark the state against its competitive peers. The study covered more than 150 indicators that benchmark Michigan in seven categories: human investment, financial resources, innovation resources, infrastructure, business costs, globalization and business vitality, and quality of life. This study was designed to provide a solid foundation for developing a public-private collaborative strategy to position Michigan for a takeoff in innovative, technology-driven growth. The benchmarking results were presented at the Michigan Competitiveness Conference in May 2002, and assisted in developing a consensus in the public and private sectors for the next round of competitiveness enhancement efforts in Michigan. Obtaining Industry Views on Experiences in Collaboration with Federal Laboratories under CRADAs. The U.S. Department of Commerce, through the National Science Foundation, contracted with SRI to conduct a study to update the Department’s current state of knowledge about the experience of private sector firms that have entered into Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) with one or more federal laboratories. This was accomplished through conversations with a number of targeted companies that have entered into CRADAs with Federal laboratories. Subsequently, SRI integrated the results of the interviews into a presentation to the Industrial Research Institute’s External Research Director’s Network Meeting in Washington. Outcomes and Impacts of the State/Industry-University Cooperative Research Centers (S/IUCRC) Program. The National Science Foundation contracted with SRI International to study the outcomes and impacts of the State/Industry University Cooperative Research Centers (S/IUCRC) Program. The objectives of the proposed research were to document the outcomes and impacts on industry of S/IUCRC activities, to document the outcomes and impacts of the S/IUCRC activities on the local (state) economy, and to report lessons learned for program improvement and future planning. As part of the project SRI developed measures of the effects of S/IUCRC program activities on Center outcomes as perceived by member companies, the economic impact of these outcomes on member companies, and the economic impact of Center activities and outcomes on the local economy. Palm Beach County Industry Cluster Development Strategy. In 1997-1998, SRI International prepared an industry cluster development strategy for the Business Development Board (BDB) of Palm Beach County. Under the project, SRI identified the cluster industries driving the Palm Beach Economy – Medical & Pharmaceutical Cluster; Communications & Information Technology Cluster; Agribusiness Cluster; and Tourism, Recreation & Entertainment Cluster – and crafted competitiveness strategies for each industry cluster. In preparing the strategies, SRI organized cluster focus groups comprised of public and private sector stakeholders, and facilitated the creation of Cluster Working Groups to develop implementation steps with milestones to enhance cluster competitiveness. The SRI project provided both an action plan and forward momentum to assure implementation to enhance Palm Beach County's global competitiveness. Planning for Science &Engineering Workforce Data 2000: By statute, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has the mission not only of supporting high-quality science and engineering (S&E) research but also of tracking the status and health of the nation’s S&E enterprise by collecting and analyzing statistics related to them. Crucial to this mission is NSF’s SESTAT (Scientists and Engineers Statistical Data System), consisting of three integrated surveys designed to track the nation’s S&E workforce at various degree levels (bachelor’s to doctorate) and within all employment sectors—academe, industry, self-employment, government, nonprofit, and others. SRI undertook a multi-year, multi-phase project to help assess how NSF can improve and enhance its S&E workforce data system for the next decade. Poland and Hungary: Private Sector Development (RITE): SRI economists participated on a team to establish a USAID-funded program to assist Poland and Hungary to make the transition to a market-oriented economy. SRI was responsible for contributing to the investment promotion and policy reform elements of the project. Privatization Assistance to Zambia: Under the Privatization and Development Project, SRI provided USAID/Zambia and other USAID missions throughout Africa with a review of the worldwide experience of countries undertaking privatization, and identified the lessons learned which would be relevant for Zambia. The study examined alternative approaches in the following areas: enterprise classification systems; privatization techniques and methods; financing instruments; policy and regulatory reform; expanding local share ownership; and techniques for overcoming political and social opposition to privatization. Privatization Strategy for Kenya: SRI prepared a strategic plan for the privatization or restructuring of all of the parastatals involved in Kenya's manufacturing sector. The study elaborated a series of major policy reforms to reduce the drag parastatals are currently having on the Kenyan economy. Progress of the Engineering Education Coalitions Program: The Engineering Education Coalitions program began in 1989 and NSF ultimately funded six coalitions of universities involving nearly fifty schools distributed across the country. The objective of the program is to stimulate systemic reform of undergraduate engineering education across a broad range of institutions. Each coalition has a somewhat different focus in developing new curricular materials, laboratory settings for undergraduates, and other pedagogical approaches, and represents a collection of diverse institutional settings in which these developments take place and are tested. NSF contracted with SRI International to conduct a study assessing the progress of the Program as a whole, across a broad range of issues. Promotion of State and Local Community and Economic Development Partnerships. In a national project for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), SRI directed a major effort to promote the creation of public-private partnerships in six representative urban areas across the country. SRI developed a series of widely used guidebooks for both corporate and local government leaders on their respective roles in such partnerships and worked closely with leaders from six communities to organize partnerships of their own. Qualitative Evaluation Study of NSF’s Centers for Learning & Teaching. The Centers for Learning and Teaching program is a new NSF effort to train leaders in mathematics and science education and to engender improvements in the professional development of in-service math and science teachers. The program makes $10 million grants available to “centers”—i.e., partnerships of universities and school districts—that have organized around the conduct of research in science and math education and in implementing improvements in the training and professional development of teachers. SRI conducted an evaluation of the centers’ performance, a task that has entailed multiple visits to each of 10 funded centers over a 3-year period. Regional Adaptation within Statewide Collaboration: Centralization/Decentralization Optimization for Strategic Planning. SRI developed a conceptual model for optimizing the degree of centralization and decentralization of strategic planning at the state level. The model is built on a series of variables including the stage of product development in the life cycle, standardization of mission, and characteristics of baseline position. The model was useful in stimulating informed discussion as to the optimal level of centralization of strategic planning for economic development in the State of Connecticut. Review of the Traditional Industries Program of the State of Georgia. SRI conducted an evaluation of the Georgia Traditional Industries Program (TIP) at the request of the Georgia Office of Planning and Budget. TIP brings industry leaders and university-based researchers together to develop and implement research-based solutions to problems critical to the competitiveness of Georgia’s traditional industries. SRI conducted interviews, analyzed publicly available data, and conducted two surveys, one of TIP researchers and one of industry participants, to develop the data and information that were used in developing our conclusions. Roles of Technology Parks, Research Centers, and Incubators in Economic Development. For an agency of the Italian Government, SRI researched the use of technology parks, research centers, and incubators by regional and national governments in North America, Japan, and Europe. Based on case studies from each region, SRI identified a set of success factors that explain why some technology parks and related facilities and activities are successful in starting, attracting, and supporting technology-based companies, while other initiatives have been costly failures. The results of the study have been applied in several other SRI studies, and have been used in designing new parks and centers in northern Italy. Small Business Development Strategies. SRI examined innovative ways for communities to address problems confronting small businesses by redefining traditional policy relationships between local governments and the private sector. The study focused on local government policies and on redefining public-private relationships in the community to change the behaviors of the marketplace, institutions, and individuals to enhance growth opportunities for small business and the local economy. The project resulted in development of a guidebook for local communities on small business development options and collaboration with Bank of America to produce a report and edit a collection of essays on small business. Sri Lanka Competitiveness Study: In this study funded by USAID/Sri Lanka, SRI prepared an economic competitiveness analysis of Sri Lanka that focused on assessing the nation’s macroeconomic and commercial policy competitiveness, and employed two methodological approaches developed by SRI’s Economic Practice – the Commercial Policy Benchmarking Model, and the WEB Model of Development Performance Measurement. SRI University – Training on the Discipline of Innovation. SRI has developed a comprehensive training course designed to introduce and expand innovation at the organizational level. This course proceeds through a logical set of modules designed to improve innovation discipline and performance. This course has been conducted for public and private sector clients in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Michigan Technical Workforce Development Incentives. In this study funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, SRI reviewed the state’s post-secondary financial incentives, policies and programs that support technical careers. The study also reviewed the federal resources that were being leveraged by the state, its students, and other potential technical workers. A set of national best practices in the design of vocational education incentives was compiled. The results of the study were used to assist the state to align all available financial resources to ensure that they make technical careers more attractive, desirable and achievable for young people entering the workforce. Strategic Planning for High-Technology Economic Development in Thailand. SRI was asked by Thailand's Board of Investment to develop a strategic and organization plan to promote high-technology investment. SRI benchmarked Thailand with competitors and developed detailed, pragmatic recommendations to enhance the role of technology in economic development. Strategy to Position Omaha as a Midwestern Leader in Information Technology. Working with Omaha business and community leaders, SRI defined an industrial development strategy to facilitate expansion and attraction of information-intensive businesses that are the core of the Omaha regional economy. SRI developed an integrated economic and technology plan, assisted in fund-raising, and participated in the implementation of the Nebraska Applied Information Management Institute which integrates programs in college and university curriculum development, continuing education programs, and applied research in financial information management. Study of the Outcome & Impacts of the NSF Minority Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (MPRF) Program. NSF’s MPRF program provides opportunities to recent minority doctorate recipients in biological, social, behavioral, and economic sciences to obtain additional training, gain research experience under the sponsorship of established scientists, direct their research efforts across traditional disciplinary lines, and avail themselves of unique research resources, sites, and facilities. This study has two major components pertaining to higher education in S&E: (1) a survey of all fellowship recipients since the program’s inception in the late 1980s, and (2) analysis of national data on enrollments and degrees from NSF and National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) surveys for the purpose of determining the potential pool of minority applicants to this program. There is also a bibliometric component in this study. Taiwan's Economic Development Experience Economic Planning Council, Republic of China. At the request of the Economic Planning Council of the Republic of China, SRI examined the economic development experience and its relevance for other developing countries. The SRI team interviewed top level government officials to elicit views on strategy formulation, and examined Taiwan's policy and institutional approach for accelerating growth of output and exports. The project led to two publications, one of which served as the basis for a Public Broadcasting System program on successful development experience. (Economic Planning Council, Republic of China) Target Industry Cluster Strategy for the State of Iowa. SRI developed a cluster-based economic development plan for the State of Iowa. SRI identified high-growth, high-wage industries and industry segments, assessed regional competitiveness, and developed a technology-driven, cluster-based development plan for the state economy. The project team assessed the competitiveness of eight major industry groupings, and proposed public/private partnerships in areas such as research and development, business modernization, skills development, and supply chain management. SRI assisted in the formation of working groups, and facilitated sessions to craft action plans. Technology Assessment, Development, and Management Project: Malaysia. SRI examined Sabah's changing comparative advantage and recommended measures to enrich the state's economic infrastructure and improve its overall economic competitiveness. SRI's report reviewed the Malaysian state's economic infrastructure, partly in light of the U.S. experience, and identified new policy and program directions. SRI's findings provided the basis for a new economic policy promulgated by Sabah. State officials are using the report as a guide to help develop an economy able to add more value to Sabah's commodity products. The “Illinois Model” of Technology-Driven Economic Development. For the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs of the State of Illinois, SRI developed the “Illinois Model,” a “techonomic” economic development model based on the fusion of technological and economic forces. Working closely with Illinois private and public sector stakeholders, the SRI team applied its cluster methodology to analyze the industrial structure of the state, identify key industry clusters with growth potential, and analyze the effectiveness of current state programs and initiatives in encouraging technological and economic development. SRI also conducted a comprehensive benchmarking exercise to assess Illinois’ technological and economic foundations and performance vis-à-vis other U.S. states. The Economic Impact of Native American Culture on the New Mexico Tourism Industry. In this project, SRI International developed a research methodology for measuring the economic impact of Native American reservations on the tourism industry in New Mexico. SRI developed a quantitative model which estimated the economic value of tourism visits to New Mexico attributable to Indian reservations. In the model, the SRI team included traveler survey data on total visitors, visits to reservations and other Indian attractions, visitor spending patterns, and direct and indirect tourism employment impacts. The team also assessed the fiscal impact of Indian attractions on the state budget. The Golf Economy—The Game’s Impact on the U.S. Economy. SRI assessed the impact of golf on the U.S. economy for the World Golf Foundation, conducting one of the first comprehensive studies of golf’s total economic contribution at the national level. The study looked beyond golf’s recreational value to the sport’s role as the nucleus of a major industry cluster that generates jobs, commerce, economic development and tax revenues for communities throughout the country. The analysis included such important, but often ignored segments as golf tourism and golf-related real-estate development. The Impact on Industry of Interactions with Engineering Research Centers. In this project, SRI examined the patterns of interaction that emerged between academic engineering and industry as a consequence of NSF’s Engineering Research Center’s (ERC) program. More specifically, the objective of the project was to identify the results of those interactions in terms of the types of impact that they have on industry, as well as assess the value of theses impacts. SRI’s team approach to the project involved the development of a draft conceptual model of possible ERC impacts on industry, convening a series of industry participant focus groups to test and refine the model, collection and analysis of existing data from the ERC database and other materials available at NSF, preliminary interviews with a selected set of industry participants, a survey of ERC industry participants, and follow-up telephone interviews to further explore and validate information obtained from the survey. The Role of NSF’s Support of Engineering in Enabling Technological Innovation. In 1995, the National Science Foundation contracted with SRI International to conduct a major 4-year study of how NSF support for engineering research has contributed to the development and commercialization of twelve significant recent innovations, which were selected at the inception of the project by an advisory panel. The six innovations studied were the Internet, magnetic resonance imaging (MNR); high performance polymer matrix composites, computer-aided design applied to electronic circuits; optical fiber for telecommunications; and, the cellular phone. Theme Park Feasibility Assessment in South Florida. At the request of Dade County, Florida, SRI assessed the feasibility of developing a theme park in the County. The SRI team analyzed visitor flows, consumer trends, and tourism infrastructure in southern Florida, and drafted a feasible development and investment attraction plan for theme park development. Tianjin in Transition: Toward a More Market-Oriented Economy. Assisted Tianjin municipality and the provinces of Sichuan, Hubei, and Shandong in developing strategies to improve their economies. Through a process of education and consultation, SRI staff guided regional leaders as they undertook a two-year analytic and strategic planning process. The team's work included analyzing key industries and their economic infrastructure needs, and determining how a partially planned economy might encourage the growth of dynamic economic clusters. SRI assisted with the implementation of its recommendations by serving as a bridge between regional and central governments. Tourism Master Plan for Pennsylvania. SRI applied the industry cluster methodology to develop a strategic tourism master plan for the State of Pennsylvania. The SRI team conducted a series of assessments, including SWOT, industry cluster segments, tourism industry trends and competition, and consumer segmentation, and identified best practices for statewide tourism development using examples from six other states. SRI conducted dozens of focus groups with stakeholders across the state, which provided valuable input for the development of a strategic tourism master plan for Pennsylvania. SRI recommendations formed the blueprint of the statewide tourism development initiative. U.S. Fulbright Student Program. SRI has been conducting an outcome assessment of the U.S. Fulbright Student Program. The evaluation designed by SRI will survey program alumni who participated in the program between 1980 and 2000, and were hosted by foreign institutions representing all geographic regions of the world. Workshop on International Aspects of Graduate Science and Engineering Education and International Mobility of Scientists and Engineers: This project was intended to provide NSF’s Science Resources Studies Division with up-to-date analyses concerning recent changes in graduate science and engineering education and the international mobility of scientists and engineers. The analysis focused on three regions: Europe, Asia, and Latin America. SRI engaged experts in each of the regions to develop papers that served as the basis for a workshop. The information generated by this effort assisted NSF in its continuing efforts to promote the human S&E infrastructure in a changing global environment. Workshop on Research Evaluation for the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP): Korea Institute of Science, Technology Evaluation and Planning, Korea, SRI organized and presented a workshop for Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP) on the topic of R&D planning, evaluation and management. Selected Korean government officials working in the field of science and technology policy attended. The objective of workshop was to learn from and compare notes with practitioners of science and technology policy in the US about R&D management and evaluation. (Korea Institute of Science, Technology Evaluation and Planning: KISTEP, Korea) |
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