State of Idaho Department of Commerce — A new Innovation Council is being convened to advise the Idaho Department of Commerce, other state agencies and universities on ways to sustain and build Idaho's innovation industry. The council furthers the work of the Science & Technology Advisory Council which disbanded nearly two years ago.
While the new group will build on groundwork laid by the Science & Technology Advisory Council, its revised name reflects a greater inclusiveness of Idaho industries and celebrates the state's innovative heritage. The Innovation Council will be charged narrowly with identifying and clearing obstacles to commercializing Idaho-born technology, primarily arising from the state’s universities and the Idaho National Laboratory.
The technology transfer focus of the Innovation Council coincides with other initiatives within Commerce to commercialize innovations. Technologies developed at universities and federal laboratories are viewed as premium assets that could be developed into businesses and industries to benefit the state.
Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter appointed eight members to the Council, including five from private industry. Members are Jefferson Jewell, managing director of Blackfin Technologies (Boise), who also will serve as chairman; Robin Woods, president of Alturas Analytics (Moscow); Douglas Sayer, founder of Premier Technology (Blackfoot); Steve Hodges, president of M2M Communications (Boise); Jason Stolworthy, commercialization manager for Battelle Energy Alliance (Idaho Falls); Mark Warbis, director of communications and staff operations for Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter; Donald A. Dietrich, Commerce Director; and a member from the Board of Education still to be named.
"The process of successfully commercializing Idaho's innovations is complex and will take considerable effort," Governor Otter said. "I’m grateful to the individuals who are sharing their time and expertise to serve on this Council, and I look forward to great results as we pursue our Project 60 goals for expanding and diversifying Idaho’s economy."
The Council will meet quarterly, with the date for its first meeting to be set in the coming month.