North Dakota's course for its Centers of Excellence programs is very deliberate and well-planned, said the National Centers of Excellence chairman.
G. Michael Alder, who is also director of Brigham Young University's office of technology transfer, is headlining a Centers of Excellence Summit May 27 in Fargo.
The summit, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at North Dakota State University's Richard H. Barry Hall, will evaluate progress of the state's centers and discuss how North Dakota's university system and businesses can build on early successes, said Shane Goettle, North Dakota Department of Commerce commissioner.
Legislators, university system personnel and business people involved with the centers will participate. The summit is open to the public.
"The beginnings of what I see in North Dakota are very good," said Alder, who will offer insight and recommendations.
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Centers of Excellence is an initiative to combine education and economic development to create higher-paying jobs.
A recent study estimated the economic impact of the program from Jan. 1, 2007, through June 30, 2009, at $329.4 million. It also showed the program created more than 2,000 jobs, and allowed 17 new or expanded businesses.
Taxpayers spent $19.9 million on the program during that period. Another $11.5 million was disbursed, $10.9 million was approved and $20 million was available for awards.
"I would have to say that anyone who doesn't participate in research and development, this is true of companies, now it's true of states, you're on your way to becoming obsolete," Alder said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Tracy Frank at (701) 241-5526
