Excellence in Tech Economic Development

The SSTi is encouraging applications for its annual Excellence in TBED (Technology-Based Economic Development) for 2008.

The Award Selection Criteria:

• Have specific and measurable outcomes;
• Serve as a model that can be replicated;
• Demonstrate effective partnerships and leadership; and
• Illustrate innovative and effective approaches and stand out among others in the field.

Winners will be recognized at the SSTi's 12th annual conference, showcased in the SSTI Weekly Digest and in a press release issued by SSTi.

Award Categories:

• Expanding the Research Infrastructure
• Commercializing Research
• Building Entrepreneurial Capacity
• Increasing Access to Capital
• Enhancing the Science & Technology Workforce
• Improving Competitiveness of Existing Industries

Applications are due by May 16, 2008. The award application and additional information is available online.

DARPA Director Speaks at Smith's Annual Ninth District Day in DC

NINTH DISTRICT DAY IN THE OTHER WASHINGTON!

Ninth District Day is an opportunity for civic and business leaders from around the state to gather for a half-day forum in Washington D.C. The event is being held Thursday, May 15th, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Capitol Hill in the Rayburn House Office Building, Rooms B338 and B339.

Past Ninth District Days have included compelling speakers such as Washington Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, CNN Terrorism Expert Peter Bergen, ABC News Anchor George Stephanopoulos, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez, NBC News Political Director Chuck Todd, and Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Commander Admiral T. Eric Olson.

This year, our speakers include Dr. Anthony J. Tether, Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) since 2001. DARPA is the principal agency within the Department of Defense for research, development, and demonstration of concepts, devices, and systems that provide highly advanced military capabilities. As Director, Dr. Tether is responsible for management of the agency’s projects for high-payoff, innovative research and development.

Also scheduled to speak is Michael G. Vickers, Assistant Secretary of Defense, Special Operations/ Low Intensity Conflict & Interdependent Capabilities (SO-LIC&IC).

We still have room to sign up to attend! Please visit our website to learn more about Adam’s Ninth District Day 2008 in Washington, D.C.:

http://www.house.gov/adamsmith/NDD2008registration.shtml

Computer Crime Central

Syndicated columnist Austin Bay, as read in the Washington Times earlier this year, questioned the developing recognition - lack of distinction really - between computer crime and cyberwarfare.

Explored earlier on this blog, Bay cites the Estonian (who blamed Russia, which Russia denied) attacks as an example of a wired society suffering organized attacks.

Bay goes on to bring in articles from last September on Strategy Page and the Financial Times that link another alleged culprit, China.

A quick check (keywords: Cyberspace Warriors) to USA Today for an article in the same timeframe, yielded a virtual library from a multiciplity of more recent sources on U.S. preparations in response to real or perceived threats from these two nations.

Local interests may be directed to the Pacific Northwest National Security Forum, scheduled for June 3 in Tacoma, for a more up-to-date look at this issue.