This project is an outgrowth of ITRI's efforts since 1991 to seek assistance for scientists and engineers in the former Soviet Union. Program has established small business incubators in Kyiv and Kharkiv and is seeking to expand to Odesa and Dnipropetrosk. Bob Margenthaler is director of the division. He and Duane Shelton recently prepared a paper on BID for the UN Expert Meeting on Best Practices in Business Incubators to be held in Geneva in June. Its Space Policy Institute, which concentrates its research and teaching efforts on issues related to the world's space programs, is a major research entity within the Center.
Substantial research is also underway on innovation policy.
Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the policy implications of technological innovation. He has been coordinating strategic and long range planning, program development, and technology policy formulation for the Directorate since the late 80s. He also serves as ENG's budget officer and Vice Chair of the Strategic Planning and Evaluation Committee. In April 1999 he was detailed to provide Foundation-wide planning and other staff support for the NSF Director and Deputy Director. Mr. Herer holds a BA degree in psychology and an MBA in economics from the University of Maine at Orono.