OIT Times: (Guest Editorial) State Industries of the Future: A Collaboration
September 24, 2001
by Yolanda Frinks, OIT States Team
According to Webster, to collaborate means to work together, especially in a joint intellectual effort. That is exactly what the State Industries of the Future (SIOF) is all about close partnership among State and Federal government, industry, universities and national labs to extend the reach of energy efficiency technologies and best practices.
It been exhilarating to see the growth of SIOF partnerships over the past year. DOE/OIT signed four new Memoranda of Understanding with Governors of Iowa, Maine, Utah, and New Hampshire bringing the total to seven. Additional MOU signings with Massachusetts, Wisconsin and West Virginia are anticipated by yearend.
Through the 2001 State Energy Program, OIT awarded $3 million to 16 states to further promote the ability of State Energy Offices, related agencies, and their university partners to pursue SIOF activities. These partnerships will help broaden the implementation of DOE national Industries of the Future programmproving energy efficiency and productivity, and reducing waste and pollution in energy-intensive industries.
OIT States Team awarded another $400,000 to seven universities through broad-based outreach grants. These will catalyze the development of state-led Industries of the Future programs. Also, they will contribute to university partnerships and shared experiences and expertise.
Finally, the first ever State Industries of the Future solicitation which targeted the highest priority R&D needs identified by states was released. This solicitation will fund cost-shared R&D projects that are essential to the target industries in our partnership states.
As you can see, OIT States Team has been busy. The State IOF program has continued to grow through strong collaboration with industry, state government and universities. Wee very excited!