Jeanne Shaheen on Technology Former Democratic Governor (NH); candidate for Senate 2002

Focus on brainpower, not horsepower, via more education

We must recognize that improving education is the single most important issue we face. Nothing else that we do here will have a greater impact on New Hampshire’s success or failure in this new century.

Cooperate with Canada on regional info tech workforce.

• WHEREAS, New England and Eastern Canada have among the highest concentration of information technology workers in the nation, with major specializations in high skill, high wage information technology occupations, which are integral for the region’s high tech computer, electronics, e-commerce and communications sectors, as well as other industries such as finance, insurance and manufacturing; and
• WHEREAS, the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG-ECP) Knowledge Industry Innovators’ Forum recognizes the importance of continuing to build the skills of its workforce in information technology to strengthen its ability to compete and sustain the long-term economic growth of the knowledge economy; and
• WHEREAS, the NEG-ECP recognizes the importance of the ability to predict and respond to the changing information technology workforce needs will be critical to maximizing opportunities to develop the region’s knowledge economy in the future;
• NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the NEG-ECP will cooperate in addressing regional information technology workforce needs to enhance and build upon state and provincial initiatives already underway; and
• BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Conference task a group of key knowledge industry stakeholders to work together to identify appropriate actions to:
  1. Identify, develop and promote the adoption of appropriate skill standards and assessment tools to ensure the region’s education and training institutions and their graduates are recognized internationally for excellence;
  2. Improve regional information technology workforce projections and analysis initiatives in order to better anticipate and adapt to the changing needs of the knowledge economy; and
  3. Develop networks and share best practices on a regional basis, and to meet annually to discuss key issues.

Create International Northern and Biotechnology Corridor.

• WHEREAS, the biotechnology industry already contributes substantially to Northeast economies and is rapidly expanding; and
• WHEREAS, a common interest has emerged among New England States and Eastern Canadian Provinces to promote cooperation in biotechnology; and
• WHEREAS, certain activities, information exchanges, and initiatives originating in individual states and provinces can be shared by all jurisdictions synergistically; and
• WHEREAS, such efforts should be coordinated to optimize the returns on public investments; and
• WHEREAS, there is common agreement among jurisdictional governmental and biotechnology leaders that a coordinating structure should be created;
• NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers support the creation of an International Northern and Biotechnology Corridor to promote biotechnology developments withing the region.
• BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Conference, through the Secretariats, establish a coordinating mechanism to move the initiative forward and that a progress report be presented to the Conference at its 1999 meeting.