The governor’s task force, Oklahoma Economic Development Generating Excellence (EDGE), recently released its much anticipated economic development plan. For the past several months, the mission of EDGE has been to help construct an effective long-term vision for the state’s economic development. A steering committee coordinated 23 expert panels and numerous regional forums for citizen participation across the state of Oklahoma. Legislative leaders are now considering its policy recommendations. The EDGE report’s major recommendations include the following:
“Create an EDGE Endowment of $1 billion to support research and the transfer of innovation and technology to the private sector. This strategic investment will transform Oklahoma into the ‘Research Capital of the Plains.’ Research results supported by the EDGE Endowment will be directed toward innovation that will strengthen current Oklahoma businesses and create businesses that are likely to remain in the state ... Establishing the $1 billion EDGE endowment will be the largest and most ambitious project ever accomplished by the state of Oklahoma. Strong leadership from throughout the state will be required and multiple and innovative funding strategies must be exploited. The Governor and the Legislature, working with the private sector, should identify and implement the funding mechanisms. By December 31, 2004, the EDGE endowment should be designed and ready to implement.”
“Take those actions necessary to dramatically update Oklahoma's public education system so that students have the highest probability of succeeding in the technology-driven, knowledge-based global economy. The Governor should immediately appoint and charter a group of citizens and educational leaders to accomplish this work to be completed by December 31, 2004.”
“Take a comprehensive approach to improve the health of Oklahomans by coordinating prevention and care. The Legislature should increase the tobacco tax by at least 50 cents per pack and use the money to help pay for a comprehensive cancer center and expand availability to health insurance. The Legislature should design programs and provide tax incentives to businesses for establishing or continuing wellness programs that reduce health costs and boost employee productivity.”
The most prominent recommendation calls for the creation of the billion dollar endowment fund which is hoped to serve as a catalyst for encouraging cutting-edge industries such as biotechnology firms. Rhode Island has had some success encouraging economic growth through tax incentives for similar research and development activities. Oklahoma has also had some success with emerging biotechnology spinoffs such as Novazyme and UroCor. However, there have also been spectacular failures such as the recent bankruptcy of the biotech firm, ZymeTx.
The full EDGE report is available at the following site: http://www.okedge.org
Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following statements:
8. “The proposed $1 billion endowment, as well as the funding required for other EDGE initiatives, represents a goal that politically can be attained within the next five (5) years.”
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Undecided
2% 28% 45% 13% 13%
9. “If the task force referenced in the EDGE report recommends comprehensive school and district consolidation of the state’s public education, the political leadership will be sufficient to institute these changes.”
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Undecided
0% 15% 53% 23% 9%
10. “Taking into account the breadth and scope of the set of EDGE recommendations and its likely reception by citizens and legislators, the EDGE report will ultimately represent a significant and positive political watershed for the future of the state of Oklahoma.”
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Undecided
2% 32% 40% 4% 21%
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This
survey is published for the information of the people of Oklahoma and does
not reflect any particular political viewpoint or position of individual
members, the Advisory Board, any of the members’ employers, or the
University of Central Oklahoma.