RoseAnn B. Rosenthal, President & CEO of BFTP/SEP, Featured in D.C. Forum for University Research
RoseAnn B. Rosenthal, President and CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/SEP), spoke at a national forum entitled “Catalyzing University Research for a Stronger Economy” in February.
Gary Locke, Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce
Developed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke, the forum was held by the U.S. Department of Commerce at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C.
The forum focused on how to support university-based research and development (R&D), a key part of the Obama Administration’s strategy to promote sustainable growth and the creation of quality jobs.
BFTP has shared a similar mission since its founding 27 years ago, and is a crucial part of Pennsylvania’s success in facilitating energy technology development and commercialization. Since 2001 alone, BFTP has committed more than $50 million to over 500 early-stage and established companies, which have created or retained more than 7,000 high-tech jobs.
Rosenthal offered her expertise in a session called “Universities and Regional Economic Development.” She addressed the need for innovative approaches to accelerate the commercialization of university discoveries, including participation in regional partnerships (such as BFTP’s co-developed Nanotechnology Institute and Energy Commercialization Institute) to aid in their development efforts, and increased funds to support translational research.
“I am honored to have been a part of this important conversation on ways our country can make R&D efforts more successful and economically beneficial,” said Rosenthal. “Discussions like this are important to help our universities become an integral part of our path toward developing alternative energy and clean technology.”
Other speakers at the forum included:
- Gary Locke, Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce
- John Holdren, Director of the Office of Science & Technology Policy, White House
- Ginger Lew, Senior Advisor at the National Economic Council, White House
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