The legislature in Massachusetts created the Renewable Energy Trust Fund (RETF) as part of efforts to restructure the electric utility industry in the Commonwealth. Funded through a wire charge, the RETF will have roughly $250 million to invest in various initiatives designed to spur greater reliance on renewable energy sources and promote the growth of the renewable energy sector. Nexus Associates was asked to help develop an overall strategy for the RETF and a detailed plan for the first year of operation. The plan is based on an extensive analysis of the renewable energy sector. It defines the objectives of the fund, operating principles, major initiatives, specific funding programs, governance structures, management and staffing, and operating budget.

Development of a statewide science and technology strategy for Massachusetts

Nexus Associates conducted a two-part study entitled “Technology Development in Massachusetts” for the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative examining the competitive positions of Massachusetts’ technology-intensive industries and the role of its universities in economic development. The study identifies factors that underlie the growth of key industries and describes the state’s relative advantages on several measures of economic performance. It includes an assessment of key industrial sectors, such as electronics, software, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. It also contains a detailed examination of the role of universities, research institutions and teaching hospitals in the regional economy. The project’s findings are based on statistical analyses and interviews and focus groups with business executives, university officials and government leaders. The study culminates in a series of policy recommen­da­tions to ensure the continued vitality of technology-intensive industries in the state.

Strategic planning for the Nanotechnology Institute

A consortium of public and private organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region retained Nexus Associates to develop an objective assessment of the current state of the nanotechnology sector in the region. The scope of work consisted of the following elements: development of a typology to classify different technologies and sectors in the field of nanotechnology; establishment of a baseline with respect to the current level of nanotechnology-related activity in Greater Philadelphia and benchmark the region’s performance relative to other areas; assessment of the current strengths and weakness of the region with respect to nanotechnology; and identification of the specific requirements of companies and institutions that are active in the field of nanotechnology with respect to labor skills, financing, facilities and other factors.

Analysis of the photovoltaic industry

Nexus Associates prepared an analysis of the photovoltaic (PV) industry for the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust. The analysis included an assessment of PV technologies, current and projected costs, industry structure and participants, and current programs to promote the use of PV systems in the United States and abroad. The study provides a strong foundation for a comprehensive plan to advance the regional PV industry and increase reliance on PV systems to meet regional energy requirements.

Strategic plan for the Neuroengineering and Neuroscience Center

Yale University and Connecticut Innovations Inc. asked Nexus Associates to develop a strategic plan for a state-supported center of excellence at Yale University. The project included an assessment of core capabilities at NNC, an assessment of commercial applications of artificial neural networks (ANN), the formulation of key objectives and operating principles, and the development of activities designed to advance the state-of-the-art in ANN as well as increase the rate of adoption of ANN by Connecticut industry.

Targeting study for the Florida Manufacturing Technology Center

The Florida Manufacturing Technology Center (FMTC) asked Nexus Associates to develop a methodology for identifying industries and customers that should be targeted in marketing efforts. Working with a committee appointed by the FTMC Board of Directors, Nexus Associates developed selection criteria, measurable indicators, and procedures for this purpose, focusing on job quality, growth potential, economic contribution and FMTC business potential. The screening process involved an explicit scoring system with weights determined through pairwise comparison. A ranked order list of industries was created.

Strategic planning workshops for Connecticut Innovations, Inc.

In two concurrent reports, Nexus Associates prepared an analysis of trends in R&D spending nationwide and two case studies of initiatives undertaken in Maryland and Michigan to promote growth of those states’ biotech industries. The findings of both reports were presented in a day-long planning workshop with CII’s board of directors concerning the organization’s role in the development of the Connecticut economy.

Evaluation of financing programs offered by Connecticut Innovations, Inc.

Established by the Connecticut legislature to promote the development of technology-based industries in the state, Connecticut Innovations (CI) provides early stage venture capital financing and related services to companies operating in the state. The organization retained Nexus Associates to evaluate its impact on the performance of companies and the state economy, in terms of employment, income, and tax revenue. The project included a survey of all portfolio companies to determine CI’s impact on firm performance and employment. A regional economic model was then used to estimate the effect of the changes in firm performance and employment on the overall economy of Connecticut. The project also included an analysis of CI’s operational and financial data, as well as in-depth case studies of two exemplary investments undertaken by the organization.

Evaluation of the economic impact of a school of veterinary medicine

Nexus Associates completed a study entitled The Impact of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine on the Massachusetts Economy evaluating the regional economic impacts of Tufts Veterinary School. The study assessed both the immediate impacts of Tufts Veterinary School’s budgetary expenditures and the spillover effects of its involvement with local biotechnology companies. In each case, the impact of Tufts Veterinary School on employment, sales, personal income, taxes and several additional measures of economic activity in the state was evaluated. The report included the findings of both detailed case studies of local biotechnology firms conducting collaborative research with the school as well as the results of a comprehensive regional input-output econometric model analysis.

Evaluation of Industry Technical Institutes in Thailand

With support provided by the World Bank, the Thai Government retained Nexus Associates to evaluate the performance of the National Food Institute, Thai-German Institute, and the Thai Productivity Institute. The evaluation resulted in a series of recommendations concerning the overall direction and ongoing management of these three institutes. It is also intended that the process of evaluating these three institutes will serve to build capacity of a counterpart team to evaluate the performance of other institutes in the future. The assignment included the development of a set of performance indicators, design and implementation of a comprehensive data collection strategy, detailed statistical analyses of operating and survey data, preparation of case studies, and a qualitative assessment of operating processes and procedures.

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