FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 06, 2011
For more information please contact: SCRA Micki Howard 843.760.3329 office 843.697.9226 mobile micki.howard@scra.org
SCRA Presents Knowledge Economist Award to Dr. Michael Porter
Columbia, SC - October 6, 2011 - SCRA presented a Knowledge Economist Award to Dr. Michael Porter at the New Carolina 7th Anniversary Event following a panel discussion on the future of South Carolina. The Knowledge Economist Award was created to recognize individuals that have made significant contributions and showed continual support of the development of South Carolina's Knowledge Economy.
Widely considered the world's foremost economic development strategist, Porter has given input and recommendations that led to the creation of New Carolina. New Carolina is a public-private partnership working to increase South Carolina's economic competitiveness through a cluster development strategy.
"South Carolina has made great advancements in developing the Knowledge Economy in recent years," said SCRA CEO Bill Mahoney. "Part of the success has been from the expertise of Dr. Porter and New Carolina's cluster strategy. We are delighted to present this award and offer our appreciation for Dr. Porter's valuable strategic vision."
SCRA and its technology economic development program, SC Launch, leads growth as a global and regional leader of the Knowledge Economy by collaborating to advance technology with research universities, industry consortia, private enterprise and other partners. SCRA collaborates to shape the Knowledge Economy in South Carolina with successes in creating high-salaried technology jobs, nurturing new ventures and capital investment and building equity in a globalized future.
Since its inception by SCRA in 2006, and with initial funding of $12 million in SCRA earnings, SC Launch has supported and funded 188 companies in SC, helped draw 11 landing parties to the state, provided business services to 230 early stage companies in SC through a powerful Resource Network and helped position emerging South Carolina companies to secure more than $140 million in follow-on funding from angel, venture and other private capital sources. SC Launch has been recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for leadership in entrepreneurial support and technology-based economic development.
About SCRA http://www.scra.org
SCRA is a global leader in applied research and commercialization services with its headquarters in South Carolina. SCRA has a dual mission:
To advance the Knowledge Economy - SCRA affiliate SC Launch is an economic development program that helps early-stage companies to commercialize innovations and create jobs. Learn more at www.sclaunch.org.
To deliver technology solutions to complex challenges - SCRA affiliate Advanced Technology International (ATI) leads applied research collaborations that develop technologies to improve the mission effectiveness of Federal agencies and the business execution of Corporations. Learn more at www.ati.org.
In support of both missions, SCRA builds and manages research facilities that include wet labs, secure rooms for sensitive work and advanced, high-tech manufacturing shops.