Connecticut Looks to Increase Tech Competitiveness

"This initiative validates the strength of public/private collaboration, and the resulting synergies of the new board will fortify the progress of Connecticut's industry clusters and the council's efforts to promote the state's competitive position," says Connecticut Gov. John G. Rowland, who also serves as co-chair of the Governor's Council on Economic Competitiveness and Technology.

Tabbed as chairman of the Technology Transfer Advisory Board is Louis Hernandez, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Open Solutions Inc., of Glastonbury. Bruce D. Alexander, vice president and director of New Haven/State Affairs for Yale University is vice president of the board. Executives from the likes of United Technologies Corp., Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Global Research & Development, Gerber Scientific Products, Pitney Bowes as well as officers with Yale University, the University of Connecticut and the University of New Haven sit on the 18-member board.

The Technology Transfer Advisory Board was formed to provide leadership to enhance the technology transfer and commercialization process in the state of Connecticut, particularly between the private sector and colleges and universities in the state.

The technology transfer study is part of a $1.2-million initiative funded in part by the US Economic Development Administration, the State of Connecticut and the private sector. Expected to be completed by April of this year, the study will issue recommendations to improve Connecticut's level of university patents and "spin-outs," as well as to attract more venture capital, state officials say.

"Connecticut's track record over the last decade in creating a vibrant technology sector is impressive," says James C. Smith, co-chairman of the Governor's Council and chairman and chief executive officer of Webster Bank. "Fueling Connecticut's entrepreneurial spirit and fostering an environment where new and emerging businesses can thrive are paramount to the state's future and the prosperity of its residents."