Imagine a research firm that discovers a way to create a jet biofuel made from grass or plant material.
Now, imagine Johnston Enterprises being a local driving force behind that technology and creating new jobs locally to help produce the biofuel.
That vision could become a reality, thanks to Enid’s inclusion in a regional technology sharing network.
Wes Jurey, president and CEO of Arlington (Texas) Chamber of Commerce, also is chairman and CEO of Arlington’s Center for Innovation.
Jurey shared the above vision for Enid and other possibilities at Enid Regional Development Alliance’s quarterly meeting Thursday at Oakwood Country Club.
ERDA is part of an affiliate partner network called TechComm, which connects the development alliance to federal agencies and labs that have access to or are creating new technologies and patents every day.
“A network of organizations like the Enid Regional Development Alliance, along with federal organizations and educational institutions ... can move technology to the market and pull technology from the market,” Jurey said.
There are 363 federal labs involved with TechComm, Jurey said. Because the development alliance also is a part of TechComm, local officials can see what kinds of research is going on at these labs, see what’s applicable to Enid and try to find a way to bring that technology to Enid.
Doing so can create jobs in Enid to develop or implement these technologies.
Enid Regional Development Alliance Executive Director Brent Kisling said as part of TechComm, the development alliance also can gather information from local businesses interested in a particular technology.
“Then, we can give that information to labs, so that they can look at it,” Kisling said.
According to Center for Innovation’s website, TechComm represents six federal agencies, along with more than 363 federal labs, which spend $100 billion annually on research. The organization’s spending has resulted in more than 15,000 patented technologies.
Before Jurey took the podium, Kisling talked about businesses in Enid continuing to grow, despite the city losing Continental Resources to Oklahoma City.
But he acknowledged Enid needs to continue to improve its work force.
“Our biggest economic development issue is workforce recruitment,” he said.
Kisling told attendees if anyone has an idea to help develop Enid’s work force, let him know.
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