Google move highlights value of state universities
BY MARY SUE COLEMAN
July 14, 2006
Type "economic development" and "research universities" into your Google search engine, and the results are clear: jobs.
The exciting and important announcement that Google will bring 1,000 jobs to the Ann Arbor area points to the power of Michigan's research universities to help transform our state's economy.
Our great state is in the midst of a difficult economic transition. And yet I am optimistic, because I believe our public universities, especially our research institutions, can and will play a tremendous role in helping to diversify our economy through innovation and collaboration. Google's decision to establish a major corporate presence in the University of Michigan's backyard proves that.
Google's arrival in Washtenaw County will be measured in terms of jobs, tax revenues, spin-off businesses and increased home sales. But just as important are the intangibles: a fifth-grader in Ypsilanti who now aspires to be a software engineer for Google, a venture capitalist who sees a Dexter start-up in a new light, a retired couple who decides to remain in Ann Arbor rather than move to the Sun Belt because the community is just too vibrant to leave.
Google's announcement marks an important turning point for our state, one that showcases the importance of collaboration and innovation as the economic model for Michigan's future.
Knowledge is the currency of the 21st Century, and Google cofounder Larry Page recognizes the rich resource of educated employees that awaits him in Michigan. By locating near U-M, and less than an hour from Michigan State and Wayne State Universities, Google -- and the spin-off companies it undoubtedly will generate -- will benefit from a steady stream of talent and fresh ideas.
Research universities help generate the kind of synergy that is vital to our state's turnaround as a hub for high-tech jobs. Our institutions are an impetus for attracting and nurturing talent, creativity and venture capital. We are a magnet for companies, large and small, that want to operate in communities that take risks and seek new knowledge critical for improving our lives, our society and our understanding of the world.
Google is not alone in recognizing that Michigan holds great promise as a high-tech market. Xoran Technologies, a U-M spinoff company, is expanding in Ann Arbor and creating more than 380 new jobs; Advanced Photonix is moving its corporate headquarters and 105 new jobs from California to Ann Arbor; and Arotech Corp. is making a similar corporate move from Alabama.
Expansion Management magazine recently outlined four factors that are critical to transforming Michigan's economy:
• A workforce populated with master's, doctoral and medical degrees.
• Workers with science and engineering degrees.
• The presence of a major research university and other colleges.
• University R&D spending on science and engineering.
Google's decision to choose Michigan is a milestone in our state's transformation. To continue the momentum, we need even greater collaboration between the private sector and public institutions like U-M, MSU and WSU. The 21st Century workforce requires the right talents and adaptability to compete, and Michigan's research universities are eager to be willing partners.
BY MARY SUE COLEMAN
July 14, 2006
Type "economic development" and "research universities" into your Google search engine, and the results are clear: jobs.
The exciting and important announcement that Google will bring 1,000 jobs to the Ann Arbor area points to the power of Michigan's research universities to help transform our state's economy.
Our great state is in the midst of a difficult economic transition. And yet I am optimistic, because I believe our public universities, especially our research institutions, can and will play a tremendous role in helping to diversify our economy through innovation and collaboration. Google's decision to establish a major corporate presence in the University of Michigan's backyard proves that.
Google's arrival in Washtenaw County will be measured in terms of jobs, tax revenues, spin-off businesses and increased home sales. But just as important are the intangibles: a fifth-grader in Ypsilanti who now aspires to be a software engineer for Google, a venture capitalist who sees a Dexter start-up in a new light, a retired couple who decides to remain in Ann Arbor rather than move to the Sun Belt because the community is just too vibrant to leave.
Google's announcement marks an important turning point for our state, one that showcases the importance of collaboration and innovation as the economic model for Michigan's future.
Knowledge is the currency of the 21st Century, and Google cofounder Larry Page recognizes the rich resource of educated employees that awaits him in Michigan. By locating near U-M, and less than an hour from Michigan State and Wayne State Universities, Google -- and the spin-off companies it undoubtedly will generate -- will benefit from a steady stream of talent and fresh ideas.
Research universities help generate the kind of synergy that is vital to our state's turnaround as a hub for high-tech jobs. Our institutions are an impetus for attracting and nurturing talent, creativity and venture capital. We are a magnet for companies, large and small, that want to operate in communities that take risks and seek new knowledge critical for improving our lives, our society and our understanding of the world.
Google is not alone in recognizing that Michigan holds great promise as a high-tech market. Xoran Technologies, a U-M spinoff company, is expanding in Ann Arbor and creating more than 380 new jobs; Advanced Photonix is moving its corporate headquarters and 105 new jobs from California to Ann Arbor; and Arotech Corp. is making a similar corporate move from Alabama.
Expansion Management magazine recently outlined four factors that are critical to transforming Michigan's economy:
• A workforce populated with master's, doctoral and medical degrees.
• Workers with science and engineering degrees.
• The presence of a major research university and other colleges.
• University R&D spending on science and engineering.
Google's decision to choose Michigan is a milestone in our state's transformation. To continue the momentum, we need even greater collaboration between the private sector and public institutions like U-M, MSU and WSU. The 21st Century workforce requires the right talents and adaptability to compete, and Michigan's research universities are eager to be willing partners.
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