Policies for science-based development: The experiences of Pennsylvania and Ohio

Ohio and Pennsylvania, both old industrial states whose economies were in sharp decline in the 1970s, initiated some of the earliest stare-level programs to link explicit it science and technology strategies to economic growth. Both stares created decentralized programs focused on building university-industry links and revitalizing existing private industries. The leverage of public funds with private investment and a focus on small businesses became central features of Pennsylvania's Ben Franklin Program. Ohio's Thomas Edison Program has focused on modernizing the stare's traditional industries;rod diversifying its industrial base.