The Role of Innovation in California's Post-Recession Economy

Agenda 

While historically California has been a world leader and held a comparative advantage over other states and nations in the area of innovation and technology, that leadership position is currently being challenged not only from abroad, but also by other states that are investing in a range of innovation and technology supporting activities.  Globalization and a related shift toward more globally connected and collaborative business models will require California to rethink and reposition itself within the post-recession economy. 

During this hearing, presentations will focus on current economic trends shaping California's economy, the real-world needs of businesses and workers, and recommendations for moving the state toward a prosperous post-recession economy.

I.  Welcome, Introductions and Opening Statements    

Chairpersons and Members of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy, the Assembly Select Committee on High Technology and the Assembly Select Committee on Government Efficiency, Technology and Innovation will give opening statements and frame the key issues to be examined during the hearing.  

II.  Opening Presentation on California's Innovation Future

As the state slowly moves out of the recession and into the post-recession economy, California communities and businesses face difficult economic challenges within an economy that has become more technologically advanced and globally interdependent. Winners in the post-recession economy will be those communities and firms that embrace innovation and that can be flexible in meeting the specialized needs of their customers. 

Gus Koehler, Ph.D., Time Structures, will provide an opening presentation on the role of innovation within the economy and share his insights on how California can use these emerging economic trends to remain a global leader in innovation and technology development. (handout)

IIILeveraging Economic Advantages within California's Ten Economic Regions 
 

Supporting a culture of innovation requires California government to be more collaborative in its policy making, especially in areas that form the foundation of business development, including access to a trained and talented workforce, infrastructure that supports goods movement and advanced information technology systems, and capital markets that support entrepreneurship and new business development. 

Presentations during this panel will discuss the need for coordinated economic development actions that not only leverage the state's entrepreneurial knowhow, but also incentivize businesses to risk their capital to develop and improve the next generation of cutting edge technologies and systems. 

IV.  Public Comment   

Anyone interested in speaking during the public comment period should add their name to the sign-up sheet is located at the back of the hearing room.

V.  Summary of Key Concepts and Closing Remarks   

Assembly Members will highlight key issues and provide recommendations on further actions by the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy; the Assembly Select Committee on Government Efficiency, Technology and Innovation; and the Assembly Select Committee on High Technology.  A preliminary list of recommendations has been prepared to assist in these discussions.

Questions regarding the hearing may be addressed to the Office of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and Economy at 916-319-2090.

Copyright © 2024 State of California

Back to Top