Federal Laboratories as Engines of Economic Development
Federal Laboratories do not exist in a vacuum but are a vital component of their state and regional economies and R&D systems. This aspect of federal laboratories has been amplified by the increasing emphasis from the federal government on the labs roles in the economic life and security of our nation.
Moreover, economic development activity aligns well with FLC's mission to promote T2 at National Laboratories. This focus has presented a real opportunity to creatively engage regional stakeholders in support of individual laboratory missions. With this opportunity, there have been exciting new efforts by labs around the nation. A number of these efforts have focused on the development of fusion as a power source. Highlights include Seattle Fusion Week, the Pacific Fusion Hub, and the HAX Plasma Forge. Each of these requires creative engagement between the federal laboratories and state-based economic growth organizations.
In this panel, we will present a moderated panel discussion. The audience will hear about successes and challenges experienced by speakers that have worked with labs in driving regional economic development.
Presenters
David Kistin, Sandia National Laboratories (SNL)
David Kistin is the Manager of Technology and Economic Development at Sandia National Laboratories, where he leads technical assistance programs for industry partners in partnership with the State of New Mexico. He also serves as the Associate Director of Quantum Information Science (QIS) Ecosystem for the DOE Quantum Systems Accelerator (QSA), and as Director of the Sandia Science & Technology Park
David Zimmerman, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
David Zimmerman is the strategic partnership officer at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, a DOE lab focused on researching and developing new techniques in plasma physics. Particular areas of focus include microelectronics and the use of nuclear fusion to develop clean energy. David has over 20 years experience commercializing intellectual property in industry and academia. He is a patent attorney who has prepared and prosecuted applications at law firms and as in-house counsel.