Emerging Issues in Economic Development Policy and Technology Incubators: The Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies Experience

This article explores the recent efforts of the University of Vermont to promote technology transfer activities and a technology incubator as a way to stimulate job creation and increase the flow of new, targeted technologies from the University to the marketplace. Specifically, the article examines the Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies (VCET) at the University of Vermont and its role in trying to play a crucial role in facilitating economic growth. Special attention is given to how technology enterprise development and economic development strategies should be custom designed to be congruent with the unique strengths (and weaknesses) of the regional economy. In addition to a literature review pertinent to these issues, a survey and interview data were collected from the key actors associated with VCET. A discussion of broader policy lessons that can be drawn from this case study is explored.