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With technology coming to be seen as an important sector in economic development, the Technology Advocacy Committee of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce is releasing its Technology Survey and Forecast.
The committee, whose goals include supporting and enhancing the technology industry locally, compiled the forecast as an economic development tool, aiming to inform and influence the actions and policy decisions of local government and organizations.
Among the recommendations of the forecast are:
• supporting a research park at Cal Poly geared toward a tech transfer program that could foster economic development locally
• supporting the creation of a tech networking program through Cal Poly that could bring together students, faculty, alumni and local firms with a goal of fostering internships, job opportunities, new business and project collaborations
• monitoring “distance workforce” trends that could affect the local business climate and economic development and responding appropriately
• supporting an effort to “put out the welcome mat” to tech companies and connect potential relocating companies to a motivated and knowledgeable local contact. |
The survey itself shows that nearly half of respondents believe that the overall environment for high-tech businesses in SLO has gotten better or much better compared to five years ago. It also explores the perceived barriers to developing a strong high-tech cluster in the area and provides information on the existing technology industry here.
An online dialogue portion of the survey delves deeper into opinions on technology trends, local business conditions and community characteristics. The survey was conducted last year under then-TAC Chair Tom Lebens, who is now Chair of the Chamber.
“Cal Poly is the great untapped resource for the local business community,” Lebens said. Developing stronger ties with the university is one of the Chamber’s top goals for 2009. “And the growing distance workforce trends could have a profound effect on local economies, but it’s unclear so far how.” |
The forecast is a follow-up to an initial survey and forecast conducted in 2005. The Technology Advocacy Committee plans to conduct a similar survey every two years as a barometer of trends, attitudes and developments and as the basis for future recommendations. |
