New England Tech Project Launches in Rhode Island

Tech advocacy group partners with bRIdge, Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Rhode Island to promote regional collaboration

Providence, RI (I-Newswire) March 22, 2013 - The New England Tech Project (NETP), a regional tech advocacy organization, launched in Rhode Island with the partnership of bRIdge, a regional economic development initiative. bRIdge, which is led by the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Rhode Island, connects Rhode Island graduates with local jobs in knowledge economy sectors. NETP, which is composed of business and technology leaders, academics, industry experts and community and nonprofit partners from across New England, aims to promote regional collaboration among New England’s six states in order to ensure the region remains one of the world’s leading tech hubs.

Rhode Island was hit hard by the economic downturn, and employment has been slow to recover. Growth in high-tech sectors could improve these numbers, especially as the creation of tech jobs is known to create jobs in the local goods and services economy as well. NETP will work with bRidge to foster an environment that supports the tech community in Rhode Island and throughout the region.

“We tend to think of the economy of each New England state as separate from the states around it, but the truth is that a thriving, modern economy in Rhode Island would benefit the whole region,” said James Chisholm, Executive Director of NETP. “Our partnership with bRIdge, which helps talented graduates remain in Rhode Island by connecting them to jobs here, is a natural extension of our desire to retain tech talent in the New England region and grow a strong tech economy here.”

“Seventeen thousand students graduate from Rhode Island's colleges and universities every year. It’s critical that we make those students a part of our community while they are in school, so that they will consider staying and growing our economy after they graduate,” said Adam Leonard, Program Manager of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Rhode Island. “NETP’s focus on regional collaboration throughout the New England tech sector will aid this mission, encouraging students with an entrepreneurial spirit to stay in the area after graduation and hire from the area as well.”

NETP, which officially launched with a panel discussion on the relationship between tech and government in Boston in February, is continually looking for new ways to advocate on behalf of New England’s tech sector. For more information, please contact Executive Director James Chisholm at 617-763-0831 or James@NewEnglandTechProject.org. If you know of upcoming tech events or legislation, please let NETP know how we can help you advocate for New England tech.

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About the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Rhode Island and bRIdge:
The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Rhode Island is an alliance representing the common interests and concerns of the eight independent institutions of higher education within the community. bRIdge is an economic development initiative to connect the Association’s member institutions with the local business community.