About the Program
In 2002, organizations in the Capital Region considered growth strategies for the future. A high level analysis was conducted to identify the Region’s industry strengths and the global trends that will determine which industries are most attractive for the Region. Five technology sectors were selected for retention, growth and attraction
- Advanced materials
- Biotechnology
- Energy
- Information technology
- Nanotechnology
Coming out of that process, three steps, Collect, Analyze and Execute, were identified:
Collect: First, it was clear that a central database was needed in order to collect in-depth information on the five targeted industry sectors. That database has become the Technology Roadmap website, an online repository of the technology assets in Tech Valley. And the tool has evolved into much more than a database – it has become part of a larger program that CEG uses to engage the regional technology community. Read below to see how CEG executes regional technology strategies using the Technology Roadmap Program as the framework.
Analyze: After collecting the initial batch of data onto the tool, the CEG solicited a team from Rensselaer’s Lally School of Management to use that data in conjunction with global industry information to analyze the five targeted technology sectors and identify sub-sectors of the most relevance for Tech Valley. This exegesis was completed in the fall of 2004 and is available online at http://www.ceg.org/industry-sectors.php. A Regional Technology Strategy Planning Committee will be vetting the findings from these reports to develop a regional technology strategy. Information about this strategy will become available in 2006 as this group begins to flesh out a blueprint
Execute: At CEG we are committed to creating sustainable economic growth within the Region, through growing local tech organizations, attracting complementary organizations and helping Tech Valley communities prepare for the growth to come. The Technology Roadmap Program has enabled CEG to determine the best approach to engage the technology community on these levels. Here’s what we’re doing:
Grow: First, the online toolset provides a meeting ground for technology organizations to learn about each other; identify potential business, collaboration and commercialization partners; and uncover unexpected ways that organizational resources can be connected to create mutual benefit. By offering a means for organizations to broadly communicate strengths and areas of interest, the Roadmap enables individuals at all levels within these organizations to identify partnering opportunities. The Roadmap is an online community, a business network much broader and deeper than most because of its accessibility by all employees and its efficiency in helping users identify organizations of interest.
Prepare: Second, the Roadmap provides a centralized data source for businesses and communities to draw upon. It provides a detailed view of the Region’s technology resources, capabilities and areas of strength. This information can be used to support the creation of strategically focused regional growth plans, as well as to guide critical infrastructure development in areas such as highways and education.
Attract: Lastly, the Technology Roadmap plays an integral role in displaying regional technology strengths and business opportunities to attraction candidates from around the world. If you live in Tech Valley, remember to introduce www.technologyroadmap.org when you are doing business outside the Region. If you are visiting us from outside and have questions about the Region that go beyond what’s in this tool, please be sure to contact us.
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How Do I Get Involved?
It’s an exciting time to live in Tech Valley. At CEG we are committed to creating sustainable economic growth within the Region, through growing local tech organizations, attracting complementary organizations and helping Tech Valley communities prepare for the growth that will come. CEG members and volunteers play an integral part in this process. We welcome you to join us. See www.ceg.org/join-ceg.php for information on CEG membership or contact us with your questions and suggestions.
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