The Ohio Department of Development contracted with Battelle’s Technology Partnership Practice to update the Ohio Third Frontier’s (OTF) technology focus areas. Such an update was necessary given the continuation of the OTF program through 2015 as well as the direction from the OTF Commission that the OTF make more focused investments that align with Ohio’s strengths in near-term (3 to 5 years) opportunity areas.
The process that Battelle utilized in conducting this update involved three major steps:
- Assessing the changing Ohio economy and the leading industry sectors for technology-based economic development.
- Identifying from recent trends in detailed industry and technology innovation activities the likely focus areas for growth opportunities.
- Convening industry forums and integrating guidance from those forums with additional market research to identify specific technology focus area recommendations.
The final report from Battelle includes detailed information and findings regarding the above three steps. Of particular interest in the final report is Battelle’s recommendation of eight technology focus areas that the OTF will target going forward. Specifically, and most importantly for those interested in OTF funding, these eight areas will be the subject matter targeted by any request for proposals or notice of funding availability issued as part of an OTF funding program. The following eight areas were recommended by Battelle and approved by the OTF Commission at its meeting in October, 2011.
- Advanced Materials related to advanced polymers, ceramics, carbon fibers and nanotubes, and specialty metals and alloys
- Aeropropulsion Power Management
- Fuel Cells and Energy Storage
- Medical Technology related to Imaging, Surgical Instruments/Equipment, Implant Devices, and Regenerative Medicine
- Software Applications for Business and Healthcare
- Sensing and Automation Technologies
- Situational Awareness and Surveillance Systems
- Solar Photovoltaics
Read the full report here
Appendix A
Supporting Data
