Dear Colleague

A just-released Battelle report finds that the Science Foundation model is making a difference in helping Arizona foster high paying jobs in the critical industry sectors that drive a healthy economy.  Despite one of the worst economic recessions in recent decades, SFAz is making considerable progress creating jobs, leveraging industry resources and fostering innovation.

Key findings of this report:

• SFAz activities are demonstrating a growing record of success and tangible economic benefits.  For every $1 invested in research, we leveraged $3.06.
  

• SFAz research grants, leveraged with funding from industry partnerships, have produced $331 million in economic output and, considering economic multiplier impacts, have resulted in more than 2,600 jobs
  

• Establishment of 16 technology companies
• The filing and/or issuance of 84 patents
• Issuance of eleven technology licenses
• Increase in access to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning programs for 160,000 Arizona students and 2,900 educators
• Acceptance of 223 graduate students into the SFAz Graduate Research Fellows Program
• Publication of 760 scientific papers
  

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These results demonstrate that the State of Arizona, together with the CEO groups who fund all core operating costs of Science Foundation - Greater Phoenix Leadership, Flagstaff Forty and Southern Arizona Leadership - have made the right decision in creating this unique model to strengthen and diversify Arizona's economy.

Please click on the below image to access the complete report.

With best regards,

William C. Harris

President & CEO

Science Foundation Arizona

Science Foundation Arizona is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization initiated in 2006 by the Greater Phoenix Leadership Inc., Southern Arizona Leadership Council and the Flagstaff Forty in conjunction with the executive and legislative branches of state government. SFAz serves as a catalyst for high-wage, knowledge-based jobs and economic diversity through administration and strict oversight of research, development and education grants to public education and other non-profit research performing institutions. For more information, visit www.sfaz.org.