A Leap into California Policy: Reflections on moving cross-country for the opportunity of a lifetime
Watch: Innovation Federalism: Can States Anchor U.S. Leadership in Emerging Technologies?
August 14, 2026 | CCST Newsroom, Events, Expert Briefings Â
Description
As the federal share of U.S. research funding continues to decline, state governments are taking on new roles supporting the applied research, commercialization, and workforce development that turn discoveries into industries. As a scientific leader and home to many technical sectors, California has a direct stake in the innovation ecosystem. This event presented lessons learned from previous efforts in California and nationwide to provide insights on why and how states are supporting research and innovation.
Partners and State Support
Held in partnership with the the Office of Senator Scott Wiener.
Watch
Moderator
Ivy Estabrooke
Strategic Account Executive
RTI International
Panelists
Ben Verschueren
Executive Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR)
Empire State Development
Harley Johnson
CEO and Executive Director
Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park
Keith Yamamoto
Vice Chancellor for Science Policy and Strategy
University of California San Francisco
Remarks
Jeffrey Alexander
Director of Innovation Policy
RTI International
Trelynd Bradley
Deputy Director of Innovation and Emerging Technologies
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)
About CCST
The California Council on Science and Technology is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that engages leading experts in science and technology to advise state policymakers — ensuring that California policy is strengthened and informed by scientific knowledge, research, and innovation. Established via a unanimous vote of the Legislature in 1988, CCST has been making California’s policies stronger with science and technology for nearly 40 years.
