Today, the CEO Council for Growth and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce joined a coalition of economic development and business organizations around the country, calling for continued federal research funding.

The “Business for Federal Research Funding,” a coalition of 32 Chambers of Commerce, will engage in federal advocacy efforts; use communications activities to raise awareness among key business and government stakeholders; and coordinate strategy to maximize the collective impact of efforts to increase federal research funding.

This is a critically important initiative for our region, especially because Greater Philadelphia is home to many higher learning and research institutions. Nearly 60% of funding for basic scientific research in the United States is provided by the federal government.  Academic institutions are the second largest funder of basic scientific research.  Innovations that flow from university-based basic research are at the root of countless companies, products, technologies, innovations and jobs.

Read the more about the coalition’s efforts here: http://bostonchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Chamber-Launches-Business-for-Federal-Research-Funding.pdf