RoseAnn B. Rosenthal, President & CEO of BFTP/SEP, Testifies before Congress on Innovation & Entrepreneurship
RoseAnn B. Rosenthal, President & CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/SEP), recently testified before the U.S. House Committee on Science and Technology’s subcommittee on Technology and Innovation.
Rosenthal was asked to testify because of her track record in Pennsylvania’s technology community and expertise in the industry. Since 2001 alone BFTP has committed more than $50 million to over 500 early-stage companies, which have created or retained more than 7,000 high-tech jobs. BFTP portfolio companies have also raised more than a billion dollars in follow-on investment.
Rosenthal testified at the committee’s hearing on the Department of Commerce programs to support job creation and innovation at small- and medium-size manufacturers. She offered her knowledge on fostering the growth of early-stage companies and helping them create effective pathways to commercialization. Rosenthal noted the linear relationship between BFTP and Pennsylvania, and the Department of Commerce’s new Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the nation.
“BFTP is Pennsylvania’s partner in innovation, technology and entrepreneurship, created at an earlier time of economic recession and job loss in our nation,” said Rosenthal. “The BFTP mission was, and is, to catalyze efforts that rebuild Pennsylvania’s economy through science and technology, consistent with that of the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.”
Rosenthal recommended elements to be considered as part of a framework for retooling, including clear goals, flexibility, new program design and more.
To read Rosenthal’s full written testimony, click here to download the PDF.
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