South Florida schools talking about economic development cooperative

In a campaign document about his education plans, Rick Scott made it clear that he thinks higher education is all about "preparing a new workforce." He wrote that state and local governments should partner with schools to create innovation and incubator systems and facilitate the venture capital process for entrepreneurs.

One of the groups he singled out was the Florida High Technology Corridor Council, which "brings together the three largest universities in Florida to partner with regional workforce agencies, state colleges, community colleges, and private institutions to foster high technology industry in Central Florida," he said.

He went on to promise to "pursue additional programs such as the FHTCC throughout the state."

What has happened since Scott took office?

The Florida High Tech Corridor Council (FHTCC) is an economic development initiative of the University of Central Florida (UCF), the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Florida (UF). The mission of FHTCC is to grow high tech industry and innovation through research, workforce and marketing partnerships. More than 20 economic development organizations and 14 community colleges are involved.

We contacted FHTCC to ask if it had expanded since Scott was elected or if they were aware of new similar endeavors.

Randy Berridge, president of FHTCC, responded in an email that several South Florida universities are discussing, with Scott's support, plans to form an FHTCC-type cooperative. Berridge told us the universities in talks are Florida International University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University and the University of Miami.

Berridge said FHTCC is also expanding its grant research program. "Each year we have more and more companies partner with us. For instance, last year we had almost double the number of companies bring qualified projects to our university research partners."

Scott stated a broad goal here about universities teaming up with government and the private industry and pursuing programs similar to the FHTCC. The president of FHTCC said that other universities are in the process of developing a similar initiative -- and we'd like to see if that comes to fruition. For now we rate this promise In the Works.