Technology-Based Economic Development in Atlanta and Georgia

This paper addresses the role that research universities can play in regional technology-based development through a detailed examination of experiences and activities in the state of Georgia. The author first assesses the achievements of the state in terms of various national performance indicators, concluding that it has made strong progress in the development of a technology-based economy albeit in a relatively small number of technology sectors and with most of the beneficial impacts limited to the state's major city Atlanta. He then looks at the role of the state's universities in this context, and the public policy initiatives that have driven the Georgia technology strategy. In particular, he discusses the Georgia Research Alliance and several of its programmes, and other formal economic development partnerships. The importance of and approach to industry extension and assistance activities, university-industry research partnerships, and technology transfer are also examined. Finally, the author looks at the wider set of public policy issues that need attention in the context of regional high-tech economic growth. As yet, there seems little connection between such growth and the reduction of income disparities, the improvement of educational participation and attainment, and the quality of the urban environment. If widespread economic development is to be achieved in a region, it may be necessary for technology strategies to take such challenges actively into account.