CCST meets three times a year. These meetings inform state leaders about CCST's ongoing projects and initiatives and focus attention on other S&T related issues. Visitors and guests include heads of state agencies, Legislators, and leading experts from a variety of scientific and technological disciplines. Each meeting features speakers who are experts in their field.
California's innovation economy is threatened by the erosion of the science, technology and
education infrastructure that has made this state great. CCST has been requested by the Legislature
to address these risks, and has embarked on a study to assess the condition of California's
"innovation infrastructure". The result of this work will be a set of recommended actions that
should be taken to retain and sustain the state's role as a leader in science and technology
(S&T).
In February 2010, CCST members began a dialogue on what major changes have occurred over the last decade including:
- Communication - spread of the Internet, 24/7 access, wireless devices
- Healthcare - human genome, medical technologies, pharma challenges
- International System - changes in research, flow of ideas, commercialization
- Educational System - decrease in financial support for higher education
The May 2010 meeting was held jointly with the California Space Authority (CSA),
CCST continued the dialogue initiated in February and discussed the game changers in
California's S&T "innovation ecosystem." The S&T innovation infrastructure will
encompass infrastructure, human capital, and investment.
CSA held its annual "Space Day" in the Capitol on Tuesday, May 25. Our joint meeting
began that evening at 5:30 PM with a reception followed by a private screening of the movie "Hubble
3D" in the IMAX Theater Sacramento.
Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio,
HUBBLE 3D enabled movie-goers to journey through distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and
mysteries of our celestial surroundings, and accompany spacewalking astronauts as they attempt the
most difficult and important tasks in NASA's history. The film offered an inspiring and unique
look into the Hubble Space Telescope's legacy and highlighted its profound impact on the way we view
the universe and our lives on Earth.
Legislators, staff, CSA and CCST members were invited to this event and are encouraged to
bring family members. Following the showing of the movie, there was an invitation only CCST/CSA
sponsored coffee and dessert.
The reception and later events were attended by CSA's leadership and NASA officials.
Updated 4/20/09
