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1. What are Hawaii's biggest opportunities in Science and Technology?
The following is a list of converging market sectors within Hawaii's Science & Technology industry experiencing substantial growth and/or stability.
- Agricultural Biotechnology: Aquaculture, Floriculture, Forestry, Plant Tissue Culture, Seed Propagation/Seed Corn, Tropical Fruit & Biotech Beverages, Other
- Astronomy: Adaptive Optics, Photonics, Modeling & Simulation, Precision Mechanics, Remote Sensing, Unmanned Vehicles/Robotics, Other
- Biotechnology/Life Sciences: Biocomputing, Bioinformatics/Biophotonics, Biologics/Vaccines, Contract Research Organization, Diagnostics/Therapeutics, Genomics/Proteomics, Healthcare Facility, Healthcare IT, Medical Devices, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Other
- Defense/Aerospace: Antenna Systems & Management, Communications & Computer Systems, Information Services, Modeling/Simulation/Training, Optics, Photonics, Remote Sensing, Specialty Software Development, Testing & Evaluation, Unmanned Vehicles/Robotics, Other
- Energy: Renewable Fuels, Waste-to-Energy, Fuel cells, Energy Efficiency, Geothermal, Ocean, Solar, Wind, Distributed Generation, Other
- Environmental: Air Technologies, Disaster Mitigation Management, Soil Technologies, Water Technologies, Other
- Film/Digital Media: Content Development, Delivery, Digital Media, Enhancer, Gaming, Mobile technologies, Post Production Services, Production Services, Sound/Audio/Music, Other
- Information/Communication Technology: Antenna Systems & Management, Information Services, Laser, Modeling/Simulation/Training, Optics, Photonics, Remote Sensing, Specialty Software Development, Telecommunications/Networks, Testing & Evaluation, Unmanned Vehicles/Robotics, Wireless, Other
- Ocean Sciences: Acoustics, Fisheries, Marine Biotechnology, Ocean Engineering, Oceanography, Remote Sensing, Surveying, Unmanned Vehicles, Other
2. What is a 'traded sector' and why is this important to Hawaii?
A 'traded sector' means that companies export goods or services outside the region. This brings new wealth into the local economy. This new wealth tends to raise the standard of living for everyone in the state.
3. What is the Scientific Method?
The scientific method is commonly taken as the underlying logic of scientific practice. It is an extremely cautious means of building a supportable, evidence-based understanding of our natural world. Recognizing that personal and cultural beliefs influence both our perceptions and our interpretations of natural phenomena, scientists aim, through the use of standard procedures and criteria, to minimize those influences when developing a theory. The four steps to the Scientific Method are:
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observation and description of natural phenomena
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formulation of a hypothesis to explain the phenomena
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use of the hypothesis to predict the existence of other phenomena or to predict quantitatively the results of new observations
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performance of experimental tests of the predictions by several independent scientists
4. Why do we need an industry association?
There are a couple of very good reasons. First, we know from the abundant best practices of other Science and Technology industry associations throughout the mainland and around the world that Hawaii needs an organization where industry stakeholders can work together for a common good. We have the opportunity to create and sustain a vibrant innovation industry in our state that provides local people with meaningful, living-wage jobs and high-value career paths. We can improve our health and protect our precious natural environment at the same time. Secondly, there is a vacuum when it comes to providing balanced information to the community about Science and Technology industry. To respond to this need, the industry association engages and educates the public and other constituencies such as the legislature around issues that impact our industry. The council will do this through Events such as our 2nd Friday Tech Download and Science & tech Day at the Capitol, Opinion Editorials in the papers, TV interviews, conferences as well as community outreach and education programs.
5. How important are knowledge-based industries to Hawaii’s economy?
Hawaii Science and Technology industry sectors are Hawaii’s best chance for diversifying the economy. Knowledge based-industries will add a much-needed third pillar to complement other industries in Hawaii. According to Enterprise Honolulu, Hawaii’s knowledge industries (only 5% of its workforce) generate $4.5 billion or 17% of the state’s revenue (military produces $4.5B, tourism $10B). Among these industries, science and technology is the fastest growing and Hawaii’s best hope for diversification with high-value jobs at an average salary of $50,000 or more per year. Hawaii’s biotechnology industry alone is projected to employ 6,700 people and generate $3.1 billion in revenues by year 2010.
6. Is the Hawaii Science & Technology Council a government agency? How is it funded?
The Hawaii Science and Technology Council is not a government entity; it is a private, not-for-profit industry association funded by membership dues, event sponsorships and grants.
7. How do I join?
Click here for Membership
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