| Notes |
WEST VIRGINIA BLUEPRINT FOR
TECHNOLOGY-BASED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
March 2009
A report from: TechConnectWV
West Virginia Coalition for Technology Based Economic Development
With consultation and assistance from:
Battelle Technology Partnership Practice
BIOMETRICS
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS REPORT
TechConnectWV
Executive Committee
Russ Lorince
Director, Economic Development
West Virginia University
Chair, TechConnectWV
russ.lorince@mail.wvu.edu
Mary Hunt-Lieving
Senior Program Officer
Claude Worthington Benedum
Foundation
Vice Chair, TechConnectWV
mhunt-lieving@benedum.org
Amy Anastasia
Assistant Director, Technology
Transfer Office
Marshall University
Secretary, TechConnectWV
amy.anastasia@marshall.edu
Greg Clutter
Director, Commercialization
MATRIC
Treasurer, TechConnectWV
greg.clutter@matricresearch.com
John Maher, Ph.D.
Vice President for Research
Marshall University
maherj@marshall.edu
Diane Newlon
Technology Transfer Manager
National Energy Technology
Laboratory
newlon@netl.doe.gov
Keith Pauley
President and CEO
MATRIC
keith.pauley@matricresearch.com
Guy Peduto
Director
INNOVA Commercialization Group
WV High Technology Consortium
Foundation
gpeduto@wvhtf.org
TechConnectWV Staff
Kevin DiGregorio, Ph.D.
Executive Director
kevindig@suddenlink.net
Michelle Koon
Administrative Assistant
Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
and Development, Inc.
mkoon@mail.cesd.wvu.edu
TechConnectWV
Board Members
Tom Aman
Managing Member
Toothman Rice PLLC
taman@toothmanrice.com
Ron Basini
Director, Rahall Technology Center
Business Incubator and
Entrepreneurial Program
Concord University
rb12436@aol.com
Clifton Dedrickson
WV Operations Site Service Leader
The Dow Chemical Company
clifton.dedrickson@mail.wvu.edu
Patrick Esposito II, J.D.
Chief Operating Officer
Augusta Systems, Inc.
patrickesposito@
augustasystems.com
Lee Fisher
Board Representative
Gilmer-Braxton Technology
Research Institute
redtractorguy@wildblue.net
John Golden
Director, External Affairs
Verizon West Virginia
john.e.golden@verizon.com
Larry Headley, Ph.D.
Senior Associate
Technology & Management
Services, Inc.
larry.headley@tm.netl.doe.gov
Rudy Henley
General Partner
Mountaineer Capital, LP.
jrhenley@mtncap.com
Greg Henthorn
Chief Executive Officer
Kinetic Star, Inc.
ghenthorn@kineticstar.com
Paul Hill, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor for Science and
Research
WV Higher Education Policy
Commission
paul.hill@wvresearch.org
Herve Kopciak
Managing Member
CZJS Resources LLC
hkopciak@czjsresources.com
Burt Lidgerding
Executive Director
Shepherd University Research
Corporation
blidgerd@shepherd.edu
Bill Loope
Director of Institutional
Advancement
New River Community and
Technical College
wloope@newriver.edu
Tim McClung
Business Development, Science
and Technology
Wells Fargo Insurance
tim_mcclung@wellsfargois.com
Bob McLaughlin
President
I-79 Development Council
rmclaughlin@
i79developmentcouncil.com
Jerry Miller
President
Strategin, LLC
jmiller@strateginllc.com
Harry Siegel
President and CEO
HMS Technologies, Inc.
hsiegel@hmstech.com
Mike Smith, J.D.
Of Counsel
Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
mike.smith@steptoe-johnson.com
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS REPORT
HOW THIS REPORT IS ORGANIZED
This report represents Phase II of West Virginia’s Technology-Based Economic
Development (WV’s TBED) Blueprint. In 2007, Battelle Technology Partnership Practice
produced the Phase I report entitled Gap Analysis and Identification of Strategic
Technology Platforms.
The Phase II study is organized into six distinct reports:
• Executive Summary —
Provides a synopsis of
introductory and background
material, general strategies
and actions for growing
West Virginia’s technology
economy, and specific
strategies and actions for
growing West Virginia’s
Advanced Energy and
“Biometrics” (Identification,
Security, and Sensing
Technology) sectors
• General Report — Includes
the Executive Summary, but
also provides detailed introductory and background material and detailed information
on the general strategies and actions for growing West Virginia’s technology economy
• Advanced Energy Report — Provides detailed information on the specific strategies
and actions for growing West Virginia’s Advanced Energy sector
• “Biometrics” Report — Provides detailed information on the specific strategies and
actions for growing West Virginia’s Identification, Security, and Sensing Technology
sector
• Advanced Materials and Chemicals Report — Provides detailed information on the
specific strategies and actions for growing West Virginia’s Advanced Materials and
Chemicals sector
• “Biotechnology” Report — Provides detailed information on the specific strategies
and actions for growing West Virginia’s Molecular Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and
Targeted Delivery Systems sector
The general strategies and actions represent broad recommendations for West Virginia’s
overall technology economy. They are common activities and tasks that will boost TBED in
West Virginia independent of and across all technology areas.
Conversely, the specific sector strategies and actions are recommendations explicitly
targeted to four, pre-identified technology strength areas in West Virginia. They represent
those activities and tasks that will enhance those particular technology platforms.
Thus, the general strategies and actions are common to all four technology sectors and to
other technology areas as well.
While many of the specific sector strategies and actions are unique to particular technology
areas, there are common or similar recommendations and thus overlap among the
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
MATERIALS & CHEMICALS REPORT
Strategies to Grow WV’s Advanced
Materials and Chemicals Platform
ADVANCED ENERGY REPORT
Strategies to Grow WV’s
Advanced Energy Platform
BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORT
Strategies to Grow WV’s Molecular
Diagnostics, Therapeutics & Targeted
Delivery Systems Platform
BIOMETRICS REPORT
Strategies to Grow WV’s Identification
Security and Sensing Platform
GENERAL REPORT
General Strategies to Grow
WV’s Overall Technology Economy
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
MATERIALS & CHEMICALS REPORT
Strategies to Grow WV’s Advanced
Materials and Chemicals Platform
ADVANCED ENERGY REPORT
Strategies to Grow WV’s
Advanced Energy Platform
BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORT
Strategies to Grow WV’s Molecular
Diagnostics, Therapeutics & Targeted
Delivery Systems Platform
BIOMETRICS REPORT
Strategies to Grow WV’s Identification
Security and Sensing Platform
GENERAL REPORT
General Strategies to Grow
WV’s Overall Technology Economy
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS REPORT
technology platforms. Likewise, there are some common recommendations and overlap
between the general and specific sector strategies and actions as well.
As of March 2009, the first four of the six reports have been completed. However,
TechConnectWV plans to develop strategies and actions for the other two technology
platforms — (1) Advanced Materials and Chemicals and (2) Molecular Diagnostics,
Therapeutics, and Targeted Delivery Systems — over the coming months.
This report is the BIOMETRICS REPORT only.
This report and all other reports can be found at:
www.TechConnectWV.com
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS
REPORT
1
MEASURES OF SUCCESS
The ultimate measures of success — or outcomes — of the recommended strategies and
actions will reflect the work of many groups, organizations, companies and individuals. No
one person or organization will be solely responsible for the overall results — increased
investment in technology-based research, development, and commercialization and
increased numbers of jobs and new companies in the technology sector in West Virginia.
However, to promote accountability, lead organizations have been recommended for
all actions identified in the strategy.
Likewise, these outcomes will not come from one particular strategy or action.
Instead, the various strategies and actions will work together to produce the overall results
— an overall boost in TBED in the state.
Still, some actions will impact some outcomes more directly than others. Thus, those
measures of success that will likely be most influenced by a particular action item are also
listed as outcomes of that particular action. Consequently, each outcome is listed multiple
times under both the general strategy below and the platform strategies that follow.
Specific measures of success are listed below for the overall Blueprint (and again, are
also listed under specific actions where appropriate).
• Continue to grow the West Virginia academic R&D base at a pace that significantly
exceeds that of the nation with a target of $360 million by 2015
o Between 2006 and 2007, R&D at West Virginia’s universities and colleges
increased by 11.1% while total U.S. academic R&D increased by 3.5%
o Between 2002 and 2007, R&D at West Virginia’s universities and colleges
increased an average of 10.9% per year while total U.S. academic R&D
increased an average of 6.3% per year
o The $360 million target represents an increase of just over 10% per year,
roughly equivalent to the 10.9% average from 2002 to 2007
o Recent West Virginia academic R&D:
2002: $100,830,000
2003: $125,417,000
2004: $134,961,000
2005: $146,489,000
2006: $150,420,000
2007: $167,208,000
o The past growth in West Virginia R&D occurred at a time of increasing
federal R&D budgets, including the doubling of NIH funding; future funding
will be highly dependent on the growth of future federal R&D funding
• Increase R&D funding in platform areas in all sectors (academia, nonprofits, and
industry)
• Because no current baseline data exist, there is a need to track over time
and form more specific goals as data are gathered
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS
REPORT
2
• Increase industry-supported R&D at West Virginia’s universities and colleges to
match the national average by 2020
o In 2007, 3.3% of total R&D expenditures at West Virginia colleges and
universities came from industry, compared with 5.4% in the United States
o From 2002 to 2007, an average of 3.4% of total R&D expenditures at West
Virginia colleges and universities came from industry, compared with 5.3%
in the United States.
• Increase the number of technology-based companies in West Virginia at a rate
higher than the national average
o Because no current baseline data exist, there is a need to track over time
and form more specific goals as data are gathered
• Increase employment in private-sector, technology-based companies in West
Virginia to reach national average by 2020
o In 2005, 8.1% of West Virginia’s total employment was in the high-tech
sector, compared with the national average of 10.9%
o It may be helpful to consider other measures, such as employment in
platform areas or particular industry sectors related to the platforms
• Increase the number of spin-off companies developed from technology created at
West Virginia’s universities to achieve the national average by 2020
o Current national average is one spin-off company created for every $88
million of academic R&D
o The measure would correspond to about two new start-ups created per
year at current academic R&D funding levels
o The measure would correspond to about four new start-ups created per
year if academic funding reaches $360 million in 2015
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS
REPORT
3
Technology Platform Strategies and Actions for Boosting
Technology-Based Economic Development In West Virginia
Identification, Security, and Sensing Technology
This platform is often referred to as Biometrics throughout this report to shorten the
title, realizing that the term “biometrics” often has different connotations, including the
collection, analysis, and management of data in biology, and does not necessarily capture
the entire essence of the Identification, Security, and SensingTechnology platform.
The Identification, Security, and Sensing (IS&S) Technology platform focuses primarily on
opportunities and applications in biometrics and associated sensing technologies for
security and identity verification purposes.
However, as Battelle noted in the 2007 Phase I report:
The application of potential technologies from this platform extends beyond the
identification of individual humans. The advanced sensing technologies and molecular
recognition technologies likely to be developed within West Virginia will have wideranging applications in areas as diverse as medical diagnostics and environmental
monitoring.
Figure B-1 and the following descriptions illustrate the areas of research and development
(R&D) -driven technology development opportunities envisioned under the platform in the
Phase I study.
Figure B-1. Opportunities of Identification, Security, and Sensing Technology Platform
• Security and Defense
Systems and
Applications —
Development of biometric
tools and other
identification and
verification technologies
focused on government
and private sector security
and identity validation
needs
• Molecular Recognition
Sensors — Development
of sensor components and
complete sensors able to
detect and characterize individual molecules for multiple applications
• Integrated Molecular Recognition Systems — Development of complete devices,
systems, and sensing networks designed for security, health care, and other
applications
• Biosensors and Nano-Delivery Systems — Develoopment of systems for specific
health care applications such as disease diagnostics and precision delivery of
therapeutics via nano-based transportation devices
Electronics
and nanomaterials
Identification,
Security, and
Sensing Technology
Biosensors
and
nano-delivery
systems
Molecular
recognition
sensors
Security and
defense
systems and
applications
Integrated
molecular
recognition
systems
Environmental
monitoring and
sensing
systems
Electronics
and nanomaterials
Identification,
Security, and
Sensing Technology
Biosensors
and
nano-delivery
systems
Molecular
recognition
sensors
Security and
defense
systems and
applications
Integrated
molecular
recognition
systems
Environmental
monitoring and
sensing
systems
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS
REPORT
4
• Environmental Monitoring and Sensing Systems — Leveraging molecular
recognition, sensing, and nano technologies to develop systems for monitoring
change in the environment and the introduction of pollutants and contaminants into
ecosystems
• Electronics and Nanomaterials — Development of nanomaterials and other
materials required for IS&S technology development.
In the foreseeable future, most of the opportunities will be in the near-horizon applications
of Security and Defense Systems and Applications. Much can be done in this area with
electronic pattern recognition and encryption technologies such as facial recognition,
fingerprints, handprints, vascular patterns, and retinal scans. More “traditional” electronics
and software-driven pattern recognition and associated technologies still have significant
expansion opportunities.
Over the longer-term, however, the platform should develop and broaden into the other
areas listed above. Likewise, over time the application technologies from this platform may
extend beyond identity verification of individual humans. The advanced sensing and
molecular recognition technologies likely to be developed within West Virginia will have
wide-ranging applications in areas as diverse as medical diagnostics and environmental
monitoring.
However, in the near to mid term, biometrics will be the main platform focus,
especially electronic pattern recognition technology, software, and systems.
IS&S technology was selected as one of two platforms to initially develop strategies and
actions for several reasons:
• No place in the world has developed a well-established leadership position as the
main geographic hub for this sector, and West Virginia has the opportunity to achieve
a leading position in a unique suite of high technologies
• There is a definite near-term market need for advanced technology solutions for
identity management and validation and security technologies, both from public and
private sectors of the global economy
• West Virginia is home to several key federal government agencies, driving early
demand for advanced IS&S technologies
• Regional economic developers, industry, and other key stakeholders have already
begun the process of convening and working to realize technology-based economic
development (TBED) out of this platform.
West Virginia’s Growing Strength in IS&S Technology and Biometrics
Battelle’s examination suggests that no other state is better positioned than West
Virginia to capitalize on the ever-expanding need for advanced security technologies both
nationally and globally. The state is demonstrating particular strength in the design of
integrated biometric solutions (systems) for client applications and software for
identification and security use.
For that reason, the I-79 Development Council,
a regional economic development organization
in north-central West Virginia, created the West
Virginia Biometrics Initiative to grow the
biometrics and identity management economy in
that region.
The state, especially in north-central West
Virginia, has developed a cluster of early
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s
Criminal Justice Information Services
• Hosts the National Crime
Information Center
• Hosts the Uniform Crime Report
data center
• Hosts the Integrated Automated
Fingerprint Identification System
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS
REPORT
5
adopters of biometrics, identification, and security technologies and a number of service
companies and organizations working with these early adopters.
The The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI’s) Criminal Justice Information Services
Division in West Virginia is the place in the nation that law enforcement agencies turn to for
identification services. The FBI’s technology is largely limited to fingerprint recognition at
present; but, iris scans and facial recognition will come into play in the future. The Division
has 2,200 to 2,300 employees and several hundred contractors on-site.
The newly formed FBI Biometric Center of Excellence (BCOE), also located in West
Virginia, will enable the FBI to provide enhanced services to fight crime and terrorism with
cutting-edge biometrics technology. The BCOE is the FBI’s focal point to foster collaboration
and advance the adoption of solutions across the law enforcement and national security
communities. In fact, the FBI is creating a Biometric Technology Center in central West
Virginia, a state-of-the-art R&D and training facility that will provide a central location for
biometric services for federal government,
academia, industry, and foreign partners.
Also located in West Virginia, the Biometrics
Fusion Center is the biometrics testing and
evaluation facility for the U.S. Department of
Defense (DoD). It assists the development,
adoption, and institutionalization of biometric
technologies for DoD and provides biometric
support for warfighters and specialized systems. It
also enables collaboration in biometrics between
DoD and academic institutions.
The National Biometric Security Project, created to increase national security and civil
identity protection, consists of three organizations, including Biometric Services
International (BSI) in West Virginia.
BSI provides unbiased servce and support to the
biometrics industry. A nonprofit, its members sit
on the biometrics standards boards and vote on
standards. It is the only Iab in the world
exclusively dedicated to biometrics that is ISO
17025:2005 accredited.
West Virginia University is home to the Center
for Identification Technology Research
(CITeR),
the first
National
Science
Foundation (NSF) Industry/University Cooperative
Research Center (I/UCRC) focusing on biometric
identification technology.
Its mission is to advance identification technology in
the areas of biometric systems and credibility
assessment.
CITeR is an internationally recognized,
multiuniversity center with two sites. West Virginia
University (WVU) is the Center’s founding and lead
site, and the University of Arizona is the Center’s
second site. Each CITeR site maintains and develops
collaborative partnerships with other academic
Center for Identification Technology
Research (CITeR)
• Provides cross-cutting research
of new enabling technologies
• Provides interdisciplinary training
of scientists and engineers in
biometrics
• Facilitates the transfer of new
biometrics technology to the
private and government sectors
• Partners with more than 20
industry, government, and
nonrofit organizations as affiliates
who jointely select, fund and advise
in matters of research and
intellectual property with WVU
The U.S. Department of Defense’s
Biometrics Fusion Center
• Houses DoD’s biometric operations in
technology evaluation and testing
• Houses DoD’s biometrics knowledge
base and information repository
• Provides advice and support for DoD
agencies and units
Biometric Services International
• Develops standards for biometric
technology and applications
• Provides research, testing and
certification to biometrics industry
• Provides training and education
services t biometrics industry
• Provides highly technical
consulting to biometrics users
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS
REPORT
6
institutions as required for execution of research of interest to Center affiliates.
CITeR operates under the I/UCRC model of cooperative engagement in which
participating universities, and industry and government affiliates share responsibility for
generation, selection, funding, and monitoring of the Center’s research portfolio. Intellectul
property is owned by the universities executing the research, however access to this IP is
shared among Center affiliates with opportunity for royalty free licensing.
West Virginia is a leader in forensics as well. However, biometrics — at the center of
the IS&S Technology platform — and forensics represent quite different market segments.
Forensics deals with legal issues and crime solving (and certainly fingerprint and DNA
analyses are used there); but, the primary applications of biometrics and associated
technologies are security and identity verification (the primary focus of the recommended
platform). Still, forensics represents a related area and one of strength in West Virginia.
The Marshall University Forensic Science Center conducts research in DNA analysis,
forensic chemistry, computer forensics, and microbial forensics. The Center was created
in 1994 and offers a master’s degree in forensic sciences. Significantly, several start-up
companies have been created around technology and processes developed at the
Marshall Center.
Another state program, the WVU Forensic Science Initiative, provides research and
resources to the nation's forensic science laboratories. Considered the largest and
broadest academic research effort in forensic sciences in the nation, the Initiative partners
with the FBI, ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), West Virginia
State Police Laboratory, American Society of Crime Lab Directors, International
Association for Identification, American Board of Criminalistics, and other forensic
agencies to improve the science behind modern crime investigations.
The WVNano Initiative, also located at WVU, participates in this platform area as well,
including security and biometrics as part of its activities. In that role, WVNano will advance
molecular recognition technology for security, health, environment, and energy
applications with a major focus on discoveries in materials, devices, and biomolecular
systems. WVNano is a statewide initiative supported through an NSF EPSCoR
(Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) Research Infrastructure
Improvement grant to the State of West Virginia.
West Virginia also is home to many biometrics and related information technology
firms, including the following:
• Augusta Systems, Inc.
• Azimuth Inc.
• Biometric Services International, LLC
• Computer Sciences Corporation
• Global Science and Technology, Inc.
• Information Research Corporation
• Innovative Management & Technology
Services, LLC
• Lockheed Martin’s Biometric
Experimentation and Advanced
Concepts Center (BEACON)
• MPL Corporation
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Plethora Technology
• SecurLinx Corporation
• Tygart Technology, Inc.
• vIdentity Systems Inc.
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS REPORT
7
The IS&S Technology and Biometrics Market —
Important Now but Ever Growing
Obviously, West Virginia has a significant presence in the IS&S technology area. And
considerably, the need for accurate identification of individuals has never been greater than
it is today. National security concerns, in combination with the rapid growth of “identity
theft” as a 21st century crime, are placing a strong requirement on the development of
technologies that use biometrics, advanced sensors, and other technologies to certify the
true identity of an individual.
The need for such advanced technology is critically important for many applications,
including banking and finance, health care and health insurance, government-issued
identification such as driver’s licenses and visas, and secure access to sensitive facilities
and government installations.
The market for such technologies will likely grow at a significant pace, although it is
still relatively small (especially in comparison, for example, to the massive energy sector).
“Biometrics” represented a $2.7 billion global market in 2007; but, it is projected by BCC
Research to grow to $7.1 billion by 2012.
In fact, there is already a significant current and potential customer base in West
Virginia for biometric applications. For example, the FBI CJIS Division holds the national
repository for criminal fingerprints, a database of 55 million records. It has also seen a
significant growth in commercial background checks for potential teachers, government
workers, and others. The Division also maintains the biometrics terrorist watch list.
In the end, this is an emerging technology sector that offers West Virginia the very real
opportunity to become a major hub for a relatively new and growing industry, as no
other location in the world is currently dominant in this small sector.
Important Issues and Opportunities for West Virginia’s
Biometrics Platform
During one-on-one interviews and focus group sessions with key leaders in this
platform, several issues and opportunities were raised that should be noted and may need
to be addressed, including the following:
• West Virginia research universities may not be deep enough in this area,
especially in research capabilities and faculty, to drive technology development
(faculty and resources are too few and the best faculty are spread too thin)
• Industry is too often brought to the table through CITeR, which takes work out of
West Virginia (some CITeR consortium universities are out of state)
• Industry often does not want to work through CITeR since intellectual property
generated within CITeR is not protected and instead remains in the public domain
• Most pure biometrics companies are quite small and have limited internal R&D
capabilities
• Small companies present an opportunity for contract research with universities, but
need streamlined intellectual property agreements to work
• Most of West Virginia’s biometrics companies are service oriented and not in
the business of producing or manufacturing technology
• The state’s large biometrics base has not attracted biometrics product
manufacturers or even R&D centers for tangible products
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS REPORT
8
• Small West Virginia biometrics companies may be purchased and moved out of
state by firms such as L1 which are acquiring small companies
• Capital is not readily available for start-up companies
• Incubator space is needed to house and nurture new start-up biometrics
companies in the I-79 corridor.
Although there was concern about industrial involvement with CITeR, the Center has a
membership of 21 companies, federal agencies, and nonprofits who cooperatively manage
projects and their IP. CITeR represents an internationally recognized, NSF center that
draws or can draw talented researchers and other professionals to the state. In general,
such NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRCs) provide a solid
foundation for both fundamental research and technology development with
commercial potential.
Three strategies and eight actions, summarized in Figure B-2 and Table and detailed
below, are proposed to grow West Virginia’s biometrics economy. Actions marked critical
are those that have the greatest priority, although some may take several years to
accomplish. Immediate actions are those that should be undertaken in the first year of
implementation. Short-term actions should be undertaken in 1 to 3 years, and mid-term
actions should be undertaken in 3 to 5 years.
Figure B-2. Overview of Biometrics Strategies and Actions
Provide funding through the West
Virginia Department of Commerce
to support and expand the West
Virginia Biometrics Initiative’s
sector-promotion activities
Integrate biometric applications
and technologies within state
controlled facilities to spur
development of West Virginia
biometrics companies and industry
Encourage intellectual property
development and technology
transfer at West Virginia
universities and invest in
biometrics products from West
Virginia R&D institutions
Provide funds to small West
Virginia biometrics companies to
support joint R&D projects with
area universities and user
organizations specific to
commercial product development
Recruit a product-based company
in the biometrics space
Fund the West Virginia Biometrics
initiative to form the platform
steering committee comprising
representatives from industry,
government, nonprofit, and R&D
institutions
Continue to identify and promote
opportunities and high-value
projects with alignment to existing
capabilities in identification,
security and sensing technology
areas
Continue to develop and
implement plans, projects or
activities focused on high-priority
theme areas
Provide funding through the West
Virginia Department of Commerce
to support and expand the West
Virginia Biometrics Initiative’s
sector-promotion activities
Integrate biometric applications
and technologies within state
controlled facilities to spur
development of West Virginia
biometrics companies and industry
Encourage intellectual property
development and technology
transfer at West Virginia
universities and invest in
biometrics products from West
Virginia R&D institutions
Provide funds to small West
Virginia biometrics companies to
support joint R&D projects with
area universities and user
organizations specific to
commercial product development
Recruit a product-based company
in the biometrics space
Fund the West Virginia Biometrics
initiative to form the platform
steering committee comprising
representatives from industry,
government, nonprofit, and R&D
institutions
Continue to identify and promote
opportunities and high-value
projects with alignment to existing
capabilities in identification,
security and sensing technology
areas
Continue to develop and
implement plans, projects or
activities focused on high-priority
theme areas
Aggressively promote West
Virginia as the international
hub for biometrics—
identification, security and
sensing technology
Build a stronger biometrics
base
Bring key stakeholders
together to guide biometrics
sector development
Aggressively promote West
Virginia as the international
hub for biometrics—
identification, security and
sensing technology
Build a stronger biometrics
base
Bring key stakeholders
together to guide biometrics
sector development
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS REPORT
9
Table B-1: Proposed Biometrics Strategies and Actions
BIOMETRICS
STRATEGY
ONE
Bring key stakeholders together to guide biometrics sector
development
ACTION PRIORITY TIME FRAME LEAD ORGANIZATION RESOURCES
Action B1.1: Fund the WV
Biometrics Initiative to form the
platform steering committee
comprising representatives
from industry, government,
nonprofit, and R&D institutions
Critical Immediate WV Biometrics Initiative
and WVDO
$250,000 annually (see Action 8
in General Strategies)
Action B1.2: Continue to
identify and promote
opportunities and high-value
projects with alignment to
existing capabilities in
identification, security, and
sensing technology areas
High Immediate WV Biometrics Initiative WV Biometrics Initiative and key
stakeholders
Action B1.3: Continue to
develop and implement plans,
projects, or activities focused
on high-priority theme areas
High Short- to
Mid-Term
WV Biometrics Initiative WV Biometrics Initiative and key
stakeholders
BIOMETRICS
STRATEGY
TWO Bring key stakeholders together to guide biometrics sector development
ACTION PRIORITY TIME FRAME LEAD ORGANIZATION RESOURCES
Action B2.1: Integrate
biometric applications and
technologies within statecontrolled facilities to spur
development of WV biometrics
companies and industry
High Mid-Term WV Biometrics Initiative,
WVDO
Could be significant, requiring
state policy supports and
financial incentives; but, with
value established, could far
outweigh expenditures
Action B2.2: Encourage
intellectual property
development and technology
transfer at WV universities and
invest in technology
commercialization of biometrics
products from WV R&D
institutions
High Immediate WV Biometrics Initiative
Plus lead organizations
noted in related actions
in General Strategy
section
WV Biometrics Initiative and key
stakeholders (plus resources
from related actions in General
Strategy section)
This is not an independent
action but instead links to
several general recommendations
under Strategies One and Two
Action B2.3: Provide funds to
small WV biometrics
companies to support joint
R&D projects with area
universities and user
organizations specific to
commercial product
development
High Short- to MidTerm
WV Biometrics Initiative
Plus lead organizations
noted in related actions
in General Strategy
section
WV Biometrics Initiative and key
stakeholders (plus resources
from related actions in General
Strategy section)
This is not an independent
action but instead links to
several general recommendations
under Strategies One and Two
Action 2.4: Recruit a productbased company in the
biometrics space
High Mid-Term WV Dept of of
Commerce, WVDO, WV
Biometrics Initiative
Significant — will likely require
location incentives from the
State of West Virginia and local
government
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS REPORT
10
BIOMETRICS
STRATEGY
THREE
Aggressively promote WV as the international hub for biometrics,
identity, security and sensing technologies
ACTION PRIORITY TIME FRAME LEAD ORGANIZATION RESOURCES
Action B3.1: Provide funding
through the WV Department of
Commerce to support and
expand the WV Biometrics
Initiative’s sector-promotion
activities
High Immediate WVDO and WV
Biometrics Initiative
$250,000+
BIOMETRICS
STRATEGY
ONE
Bring key stakeholders together to guide
biometrics sector development
Rationale: West Virginia contains multiple companies, R&D organizations, and major
technology-user organizations engaged in various aspects of biometrics research,
consulting, and services. The West Virginia Biometrics Initiative has a good start on
bringing organizations and key leaders together and generally driving the biometrics and
identity management sector in north-central West Virginia. However, the Initiative to date
has restricted staffing and curbed activities because of limited financial resources. This
organization is poised to deliver greater leadership and facilitation to the IS&S Technology
platform in West Virginia.
In fact, the West Virginia Biometrics Initiative has developed a preliminary Biometrics and
Identity Management Strategic Plan
(January 2008). It is recommended that this
plan form the basis for further development
and discussion among key stakeholder
groups, including commercial biometrics
companies and user organizations.
The plan should be used in conjunction
with this Blueprint to identify and promote
opportunities and projects and implement
plans and activities to enhance IS&S
technology as a key platform area for the
State of West Virginia.
Expanding West Virginia’s R&D base by
itself brings positive economic benefits by
attracting external research funds; but,
ultimately, generating larger-scale
economic impacts needs to be the main
focus through the following:
• Value-added product development from
R&D-based innovations
• Technology transfer and
commercialization of biometrics
intellecutal property
• Attraction of existing IS&S technology
companies
West Virginia Biometrics Initiative
Preliminary Biometrics and Identity
Management Strategic Plan
Vision: North-Central West Virginia (NCWV) will host
a vibrant, thriving biometrics and identity management
industry cluster that will be recognized worldwide as a
leader in biometrics and identity management
Goal 1: Increase recognition of NCWV as a viable
location for biometrics and identity
management activity
Goal 2: Build NCWV’s capacity in biometrics and
identity management
Goal 3: Enhance professional development
opportunities for NCWV biometrics and
identity management workers
Goal 4: Promote entrepreneurship in NCWV
Goal 5: Expand access to capital for NCWV
biometrics and identity management
companies
Goal 6: Assist in ongoing and proposed TBED
efforts
Goal 7: Inform decision makers of West Virginia
tax, regulatory, and economic development
policies that are viewed as anticompetitive
Goal 8: Surface nonbiometric information
technology–related economic development
opportunities to decision makers
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS REPORT
11
Action B1.1: Fund the West Virginia Biometrics Initiative to form
the platform steering committee comprising representatives
from industry, government, nonprofit, and R&D institutions
This action is also described in the General Report (see Action Eight).
Battelle’s experience with many TBED projects across the United States shows that a
formal organization needs to be formed that comprises leaders from key stakeholder
groups within the platform area. Working together, these leaders evaluate and prioritize
platform development initiatives and present a united front in promoting priority projects
and securing funds from key external sources.
The existing West Virginia Biometrics
Initiative should form the central
organization around which the platform is built.
Since the biometrics industry is in its infancy,
compared with many other technology areas,
West Virginia has a window of opportunity to
establish the state as the leading center for
biometrics. But, all involved must act soon.
This action will require providing funds to the
organization to allow it to more appropriately
staff its functions and carry out its activities.
Continued volunteer and part-time activities and
lack of adequate funding for the state’s leading
biometrics organization will not suffice if the
state hopes to become a national and global
leader in biometrics.
This action will require expansion of the West
Virginia Biometrics Initiative advisory group
to become a more robust Biometrics
Platform Steering Committee. Membership
should include representatives from the
biometrics industry; universities; biometricsuser, independent research, and economic
development organizations; and state and local
government. In fact, this has already begun
with the formation of the Biometrics
Working Group.
West Virginia Biometrics Initiative
• Vision is to focus on existing West
Virginia biometrics industry
capacity to:
Develop new knowledge
Develop new products
Develop new services
• Goal to have local industries and
partners collaborate in every major
federal biometrics Request for
Proposal
• Goal to have the organizational
capability to interact with out-ofstate biometrics players
• Goal to draw human and capital
resources into the region
• Goal to serve as the catalyst to
enhance the biometrics industry in
West Virginia by:
Developing regional basic
knowledge infrastructure
Building regional capability
Creating a regional biometrics
marketing and branding strategy
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS REPORT
12
Biometrics Working Group
Ralph Bean, J.D.
Member
Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
Brian Bell
Vice President and General
Manager
Global Science and Technology
Thomas Bush
Assistant Director
Criminal Justice Information
Services, FBI
Valerie Evanoff
Chief Executive Officer
Biometric Services International,
LLC
Patrick Farrell
Deputy Program Manager
Biometrics Task Force Services
Computer Science Corporation
Terry Fenger, Ph.D.
Director, Forensics Science Center
Marshall University
Craig Hartzell
President
Azimuth Inc.
Barry Hodge
President and CEO
SecurLinx Corporation
Todd Hooker
Manager
Business and Industrial
Development
West Virginia Development Office
Steve Hooks
Program Manager
DoD Biometrics Fusion Center
Computer Sciences Corporation
Kris Hopkins
Manager
Business and Industrial
Development
West Virginia Development Office
Larry Hornak, Ph.D.
Co-Director
NSF Center for Identification
Technology Research
West Virginia University
Mike Kirkpatrick
Executive Director
West Virginia Biometrics Initiative
Jason Lis
Account Executive
TEK Systems
John Maher, Ph.D.
Vice President for Research
Marshall University
Bob McLaughlin
President
I-79 Development Council
Chirag Patel
President & CEO
Innovation Management &
Technology
Curt Peterson, Ph.D.
VP for Research and Economic
Development
West Virginia University
Charles Schliebs, J.D.
Co-Founder and Managing Director
iNetworks
Steve Spence
Director, International Division
West Virginia Development Office
Linda Wellings
President
MPL Corporation
Bob Wentz
President
Information Research Corporation
LaRue Williams
Associate Director, Biometric
Knowledge Center
NSF Center for Identification
Technology
Research, West Virginia University
Michael Yura, Ph.D.
President
Yura Consulting LLC
Over a relatively short period, the West Virginia Biometrics Initiative has engaged in both
promotional and awareness and recruitment and expansion activities. It has also promoted
commercialization activities. The organization has been successful in recruiting consulting
organizations such as Booz Allen and Accenture. So far, however, it has not recruited a
manufacturing company, although the lack of financial incentives has been a limiting factor.
The West Virginia Biometrics Initiative also hosts a quarterly forum, bringing together
companies and other stakeholders, and has sponsored an event on Capitol Hill supported
and attended by Governor Joe Manchin and Senator Jay Rockefeller. Several West
Virginia companies had booths at the event, and many “beltway” company representatives
attended. It also publishes and distributes a weekly e-mail update with recipients around
the world, and the organization’s Web site receives 300 to 400 hits per month.
However, the West Virginia Biometrics Initiative can and should do much more to promote
the IS&S technology industry in West Virginia, and with increased support should be able
to better serve and help grow this important sector to grow West Virginia’s biometrics
economy.
Resources Required: $250,000 per year to support additional staff and organization
resources and activities (see Action Eight in the General Report)
Priority: Critical
Time Frame: Immediate
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS REPORT
13
Recommended Lead Organizations: West Virginia Development Office (WVDO) to
provide funding; West Virginia Biometrics Initiative to continue and expand platform
committee activities
Intended Outcomes:
• Continue to grow the West Virginia academic R&D base at a
pace that significantly exceeds that of the nation, with a target of
$360 million by 2015
• Increase R&D funding in platform areas in all sectors
(academia, nonprofits, and industry)
• Increase industry-supported R&D at West Virginia’s universities
and colleges to match the national average by 2020
• Increase the number of technology-based companies in West
Virginia at a rate higher than the national average
• Increase employment in private-sector, technology-based
companies in West Virginia to reach the national average by 2020
• Increase the number of spin-off companies developed from
technology created at West Virginia’s universities to achieve the
national average by 2020
Action B1.2: Continue to identify and promote opportunities and high-value
projects with alignment to existing capabilities in IS&S technology areas
The West Virginia Biometrics Initiative already engages in these activities. This action,
especially combined with Action B1.1 to provide more resources, will help the organization
expand and enhance its identification and promotion of opportunities.
West Virginia is well placed to pursue multiple IS&S-related projects. In fact, one of the
main goals should be to get independent companies and organizations to join together in
contract proposals and applications when appropriate. West Virginia industry experts
suggest millions, if not billions, of dollars have been left on the table because the
right entities — especially small companies, but also organizations — did not come
together to jointly pursue contract opportunities. Instead, small West Virginia companies
often compete for the same contracts with none winning; those same small companies
could come together, form much stronger proposals and teams, and have a much better
chance to win those contracts.
As an aside, but an important one, larger or more mature firms should be encouraged to
mentor newer or smaller firms, with the overall goal of an improved biometrics economy in
the state and the concept that “a rising tide lifts all boats.’
Opportunities should be prioritized based on economic impact, with an emphasis on
those that will generate larger-scale benefits in West Virginia, especially those that will
create expanded job opportunities in value-added biometrics products. Although defense
and federal opportunities are vital and should continue to be a key focus, other areas like
health care, banking, and finance will become more important in the future and should also
be considered for new activities and projects.
The IS&S Technology platform will likely benefit from federal priorities under the new
federal administration as well. West Virginia is well positioned to play a distinctive
leadership role in stated new administration priorities such as homeland security,
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS REPORT
14
information security and privacy, and the use of technology in government while ensuring
security of networks.1
Moreover, identification and validation technologies are only just starting to break through
into more widespread adoption in corporate environments (such as the banking, credit
card, health care, and insurance industries). Again, the opportunity presents itself for West
Virginia to establish an early leadership position in products and services for these
markets.
Resources Required: Staff time from West Virginia Biometrics Initiative
and key stakeholders
Priority: High
Time Frame: Immediate
Recommended Lead Organization: West Virginia Biometrics Initiative
Intended Outcomes:
• Continue to grow the West Virginia academic R&D base at a
pace that significantly exceeds that of the nation, with a target of
$360 million by 2015
• Increase R&D funding in platform areas in all sectors
(academia, nonprofits, and industry)
• Increase industry-supported R&D at West Virginia’s universities
and colleges to match the national average by 2020
• Increase the number of technology-based companies in West
Virginia at a rate higher than the national average
• Increase employment in private-sector, technology-based
companies in West Virginia to reach the national average by 2020
• Increase the number of spin-off companies developed from
technology created at West Virginia’s universities to achieve the
national average by 2020
Action B1.3: Continue to develop and implement plans, projects, or activities
focused on high-priority theme areas
As with Action B1.2, the West Virginia Biometrics Initiative already engages in these
activities. This action, especially combined with Action B1.1 to provide more resources, will
help the organization expand and enhance its development and implementation of plans,
projects, and activities.
Within the IS&S Technology platform, there are likely to be multiple technology
development and commercialization opportunities, some pushed by the technology
and others pulled by market need. Some, if not many, of these opportunities will require
collaboration among different companies and organizations. The West Virginia Biometrics
Initiative will help facilitate this collaboration and lead the development and implementation
of various plans, projects, or other activities that arise.
However, opportunities and needs in one area may be very different than those in another.
For example, electronics and computer science–based pattern recognition technologies
may have very different researchers, sponsoring agencies, and industry partners than
molecular biomarker technologies.
1 As President Elect, Barack Obama’s policy platforms in this regard are online at
www.barackobama.com/issues/technology/.
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS REPORT
15
Potential Subcommittees for
IS&S Technology Platform
• Marketing integrated service solutions
for biometrics-user organizations,
including expanding biometric
applications in the private sector
• Development of biometrics product
manufacturing in West Virginia
• Promotion and awareness building for
West Virginia as the international hub for
biometrics
• Long-term projects in emerging
opportunity areas such as molecular
recognition technologies
Thus, the highest-priority project areas
may need to have their own
subcommittees or other organizational
structures to guide their development.
Initially, given the emerging status of
biometrics as a relatively new industry, there
may be only a couple of these
subcommittees; but, over time, this number
would be expected to increase.
Development of specific plans will occur
as needed based on the opportunities and
players involved. Those involved in specific
projects may include some of the main
Biometrics Platform Steering Committee
members from West Virginia Biometrics
Initiative, but also other researchers,
stakeholders, and industry representatives specific to that opportunity.
Resources Required: Staff time from West Virginia Biometrics Initiative and key
stakeholders
Priority: High
Time Frame: Short- to mid-term
Recommended Lead Organization: West Virginia Biometrics Initiative
Intended Outcomes:
• Continue to grow the West Virginia academic R&D base at a
pace that significantly exceeds that of the nation, with a target of
$360 million by 2015
• Increase R&D funding in platform areas in all sectors
(academia, nonprofits, and industry)
• Increase industry-supported R&D at West Virginia’s universities
and colleges to match the national average by 2020
• Increase the number of technology-based companies in West
Virginia at a rate higher than the national average
• Increase employment in private-sector, technology-based
companies in West Virginia to reach the national average by 2020
• Increase the number of spin-off companies developed from
technology created at West Virginia’s universities to achieve the
national average by 2020
BIOMETRICS
STRATEGY
TWO
Build a stronger commercial biometrics base
Rationale: West Virginia, along the I-79 Corridor in north-central West Virginia, has already
developed a small but significant base of commercial biometrics support companies
— firms providing integration, support services, and software development for the major
biometrics-user organizations in the state (primarily the FBI and DoD). Although this has
been an important initial step in the development of the biometrics industry in the state, it
has not yet resulted in the generation of a manufacturing base built on local
innovations in identification, security, and sensing R&D.
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS REPORT
16
Certainly, the biometrics service sector can
be an important contributor to West Virginia’s
economy and may expand to be a major
knowledge- and service-exporting sector for
the state. However, high employment and
business multiplier effects are typical of
manufacturing and production work.
Thus, the state would benefit significantly if it
could start to produce IS&S hardware,
software, intellectual property, or other
products for export.
Action B2.1: Integrate biometric applications and technologies
within state-controlled facilities to spur development of West Virginia
biometrics companies and industry
The goal of this action is to create demand for biometric applications and technologies
to spur further demand and economic development in this sector.
The State of West Virginia issues multiple identification cards to employees and to the
West Virginia public (such as driver’s licenses). West Virginia’s state colleges and
universities also have student and employee ID programs. Many buildings already use
security systems. Ideally the State of West Virginia should be an early adopter of
biometrics, identification, and security technologies developed within the IS&S Technology
platform in the state, thereby providing companies with a significant customer and a
demonstration site to help them market their West Virginia–produced products — and thus
create economic demand for this platform.
However, the State of West Virginia would not be required to immediately spend a lot
of money, but instead should integrate biometric applications and technologies as new
opportunities become available — and only when the technologies add value and/or
save money in the long term (i.e., show a true return on investment). These opportunities
could arise from upgrades of existing state facilities, including schools, government
agencies, universities, and other facilities, but also for construction of new facilities.
Importantly, many (if not most) biometric applications and technologies provide not only
increased safety and security but also real savings in the form of, for example, enhanced
efficiency; increased productivity; and reduced risk, errors, and theft. In the end, state
players in the IS&S technology area need a sincere willingness from state decision makers
to have their biometric applications and technologies fairly evaluated on the value they
would provide as facilities are upgraded or new facilities are built.
The state may also consider providing incentives to private institutions in West Virginia to
adopt West Virginia–produced biometric solutions. Major client groups such as hospitals
and health care facilities, private colleges, and businesses require IS&S technology
solutions and may be encouraged to choose West Virginia–based vendors if a state
incentive supports such a choice.
Resources Required: Could be significant, requiring state policy supports and financial
incentives; but, with value established, could far outweigh expenditures
Priority: High
Time Frame: Mid-term
Recommended Lead Organization(s): West Virginia Biometrics Initiative and WVDO
Intended Outcomes:
Pathways for Developing a Stronger
Commercial Base in Biometrics
• Recruit existing product-based
companies to locate in West Virginia
• Diversify current service providers
into product-based businesses
• Create new companies based on
innovations from universities,
nonprofits, federal organizations,
and companies
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS REPORT
17
• Increase industry-supported R&D at West Virginia’s universities
and colleges to match the national average by 2020
• Increase the number of technology-based companies in West
Virginia at a rate higher than the national average
• Increase employment in private-sector, technology-based
companies in West Virginia to reach the national average by 2020
• Increase the number of spin-off companies developed from
technology created at West Virginia’s universities to achieve the
national average by 2020
Action B2.2: Encourage intellectual property development and technology
transfer at West Virginia universities and invest in technology commercialization
of biometrics products from West Virginia R&D institutions
This action is not independent but instead links to the General Report recommendations
under Strategies One and Two, especially the following:
• Action Three: Encourage the state’s universities to continue to increase support for
technology transfer and commercialization
• Action Four: Create a university-industry matching grant program
• Action Five: Publicize and celebrate TBED successes
• Action Six: Continue to provide support for the West Virginia Research Trust Fund,
which supports faculty recruitment and development of research infrastructure
• Action Seven: Establish an Innovation Institute Program focused on the technology
platforms that would fund people, equipment, and facilities and create proof-ofconcept funds to support cluster development projects
The actions in Strategies One and Two are designed to create a climate and investment
infrastructure — a culture — that promotes commercialization of university- and
laboratory-derived technology innovations.
Given the presence of major biometrics research projects at WVU and within the NSFfunded CITeR, biometrics innovation will likely continue in West Virginia. Thus, it is
imperative that economic development programs and structures be properly aligned to
support and facilitate commercialization of these technologies within West Virginia.
Although this action is covered in the General Report, it is included here to reinforce the
importance and to emphasize the role the West Virginia Biometrics Initiative may play
in supporting and tracking these activities and actions.
Resources Required: Staff time from West Virginia Biometrics Initiative and key
stakeholders (plus resources from related actions in General Report)
Priority: High
Time Frame: Immediate
Recommended Lead Organizations: West Virginia Biometrics Initiative plus lead
organizations noted in related actions in General Report
Intended Outcomes:
• Increase R&D funding in platform areas in all sectors
(academia, nonprofits, and industry)
• Increase industry-supported R&D at West Virginia’s universities
and colleges to match the national average by 2020
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS REPORT
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• Increase the number of technology-based companies in West
Virginia at a rate higher than the national average
• Increase employment in private-sector, technology-based
companies in West Virginia to reach the national average by 2020
• Increase the number of spin-off companies developed from
technology created at West Virginia’s universities to achieve the
national average by 2020
Action B2.3: Provide funds to small West Virginia biometrics companies to
support joint R&D projects with area universities and user organizations specific
to commercial product development
As with Action B2.2, this action is not independent but instead also links to many of the
General Report recommendations, including the following:
• Action Two: Support and expand a statewide network providing comprehensive
commercialization services and support to technology entrepreneurs and earlystage start-up companies
• Action Three: Encourage the state’s universities to continue to increase support for
technology transfer and commercialization
• Action Four: Create a university-industry matching grant program
• Action Seven: Establish an Innovation Institute Program focused on the technology
platforms that would fund people, equipment, and facilities and create proof-ofconcept funds to support cluster development projects
• Action Nine: Provide funds to match SBIR and STTR Phase I awards received by
West Virginia companies
• Action Ten: Increase funding for INNOVA’s seed and early-stage investment fund
• Action Eleven: Use tax credits to make capital available to early-stage technology
companies
• Action Twelve: Attract venture fund investments in West Virginia technology
companies
• Action Fourteen: Maintain the state’s refundable R&D tax credit and Economic
Opportunity Tax Credit for specified taxpayers
As noted previously, no other state is better positioned than West Virginia to capitalize
on the ever-expanding need for advanced security technologies. The state, especially in
north-central West Virginia, has developed a cluster of early adopters of biometrics,
identification, and security technologies and a number of service companies and
organizations. The area also includes a strong research base at WVU.
However, much of the research and technology development requires cultivation
and funding to move the innovations into commercial reality. Appropriate assistance and
support to develop new products and processes and generate marketable intellectual
property will lead to the creation of jobs and start-up companies.
Assistance from programs like INNOVA’s comercialization network will be vital for
cultivating biometrics commercialzation. These efforts will help entrepreneurs, start-up
firms, and small companies move technology into the marketplace.
Adequate funding is also vital for growing West Virginia’s biometrics economy. Financial
support — whether through the university-industry matching grants program, the proposed
Institutes program, the recommended seed and early-stage capital program, or others —
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS REPORT
19
should be directed to support companies in joint R&D projects with academic researchers
and for proof-of-concept and early-stage technology development.
Although this action is covered in the General Report, it is included here to reinforce the
importance and to emphasize the role the West Virginia Biometrics Initiative may play
in supporting and tracking these activities and actions.
Resources Required: Staff time from West Virginia Biometrics Initiative and key
stakeholders (plus resources from related actions in General Report)
Priority: High
Time Frame: Short- to mid-term
Recommended Lead Organizations: West Virginia Biometrics Initiative plus lead
organizations noted in related actions in General Report
Intended Outcomes:
• Increase industry-supported R&D at West Virginia’s universities
and colleges to match the national average by 2020
• Increase the number of technology-based companies in West
Virginia at a rate higher than the national average
• Increase employment in private-sector, technology-based
companies in West Virginia to reach the national average by 2020
• Increase the number of spin-off companies developed from
technology created at West Virginia’s universities to achieve the
national average by 2020
Action B2.4: Recruit a product-based company in the biometrics space
Most advanced technology hubs can trace their cluster of businesses and economic
activity in the sector back to a major “parent” company that spins off people,
technologies, and companies that further seed the sector in the immediate region. This
company may have resulted from local university research; but, the research alone is not
enough to spur cluster growth. One or two fast-growing companies typically form the center
of a growing universe of smaller spin-out companies.
West Virginia needs that initial product-based company, and the most rapid route to
fulfilling this need is to recruit an existing manufacturer or other company with a tangible
product. For the IS&S technology area, the company could be a manufacturer of hardware,
but might instead be a producer of software, internet technology, or other intellectual
property. In the end, the industry needs companies providing more than just (or mostly)
consulting and services.
Relocating a company is expensive; but, the presence of the FBI and DoD centers will be a
major attraction. It is very likely, however, that state incentives will be required to make
such a move happen, perhaps requiring a major investment of state funds. While the State
of West Virginia does not currently favor the use of location incentives, Battelle believes
that an exception should be made in this area. West Virginia has an opportunity to achieve
a strong leadership position in growing a high-technology cluster, and recruitment of a
manufacturer is a key step in securing this position.
The key recommendation, therefore, is that the state incentivizes attraction of a
manufacturer in biometrics to build early production expertise for the sector in the state.
The West Virginia Department of Commerce, WVDO, and the WVVI should collaborate in
the recruitment and attraction strategy and associated recruitment activities as a
high-priority project.
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS REPORT
20
Resources Required: Significant — will likely require location incentives package from the
State of West Virginia and local government
Priority: High
Time Frame: Mid-term
Recommended Lead Organizations: West Virginia Department of Commerce, WVDO,
and West Virginia Biometrics Initiative
Intended Outcomes:
• Increase industry-supported R&D at West Virginia’s universities
and colleges to match the national average by 2020
• Increase the number of technology-based companies in West
Virginia at a rate higher than the national average
• Increase employment in private-sector, technology-based
companies in West Virginia to reach the national average by 2020
• Increase the number of spin-off companies developed from
technology created at West Virginia’s universities to achieve the
national average by 2020
BIOMETRICS
STRATEGY
THREE
Aggressively promote West Virginia as the
international hub for biometrics — identification,
security, and sensing technology
Rationale: Because there is no current dominant hub for biometrics globally and
biometrics is an emerging industry, there is a small but significant window of opportunity for
West Virginia to aggressively position itself as a leading location for this important
technology sector. The West Virginia Biometrics Initiative is already undertaking some outof-state promotional work (with events and newsletters, for example); but, the Initiative
needs more resources to accomplish marketing and promotional activities.
Action B3.1: Provide funding through the West Virginia
Department of Commerce to support and expand the West Virginia
Biometrics Initiative’s sector promotion activities
The logical support mechanism is the West Virginia Department of Commerce providing
funding for the West Virginia Office of Development to work jointly with the West
Virginia Biometrics Initiative in developing a marketing and outreach plan and funding its
implementation. Funding will be needed for marketing and promotional activities, including
production of promotional materials, advertising in biometrics trade journals, and travel for
trade shows and one-on-one meetings with prospective companies.
Resources Required: $250,000+
Priority: High
Time Frame: Immediate
Recommended Lead Organization: WVDO and West Virginia Biometrics Initiative
Intended Outcomes:
• Continue to grow the West Virginia academic R&D base at a
pace that significantly exceeds that of the nation, with a target of
$360 million by 2015
• Increase R&D funding in platform areas in all sectors
(academia, nonprofits, and industry)
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS REPORT
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• Increase industry-supported R&D at West Virginia’s universities
and colleges to match the national average by 2020
• Increase the number of technology-based companies in West
Virginia at a rate higher than the national average
• Increase employment in private-sector, technology-based
companies in West Virginia to reach the national average by 2020
• Increase the number of spin-off companies developed from
technology created at West Virginia’s universities to achieve the
national average by 2020
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS REPORT
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CONCLUSION
The State of West Virginia — including governmental agencies, economic development
groups, universities, nonprofit organizations, and business and industry — must act boldly
and quickly to grow its research, technology transfer, and commercialization activities.
TBED is an economic imperative, with multiple studies showing that a state’s economic
success can be largely attributed to the growth of high-technology businesses.
Innovation and technology lead not only to more jobs but also to higher-paying jobs, fueling
economic growth and increasing the standard of living across entire states and regions
where TBED is prevalent. Thus, TBED is a critical component of West Virginia’s
economic future.
Unfortunately, TBED is not widespread in West Virginia compared with other states. Its
innovation economy is young and must be cultivated. West Virginia is behind its neighbors,
behind its peers, and behind most of the nation in building a technology economy.
However, West Virginia does have significant strengths with strong foundations in
several technologies, including in Identification, Security, and Sensing Technology
(Biometrics).
This Blueprint lays out recommended strategies and actions for the Biometrics
Platform — which can be used exactly as proposed or as guidelines for further refinement
and development — to boost West Virginia’s biometrics technology economy.
Successful implementation of the Blueprint will require:
• Significant investments in West Virginia’s technology infrastructure
• Strong leadership from the recommended lead organizations — and other groups
within the state
• Long-term commitment from all stakeholders, including West Virginia’s citizens
• Strong resolve to make critical and sometimes difficult decisions
• Genuine will to compete.
No single organization will be able to carry out this Blueprint or boost West Virginia’s
innovation economy alone. But, with the right investment, true collaboration among all
stakeholders in the state’s public and private sectors, West Virginia can and will become
a leader in this vital economic sector.
“We have a local saying that biotechnology in North Carolina has been a 30-year overnight success.”
Barry Teater, North Carolina Biotechnology Center, in Research Ripple: States attracted to job
multiplier effect of biotech firms, The Council of State Governments, May 2006.
West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development BIOMETRICS REPORT
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This report and all other related reports — as well as
other information about West Virginia’s
technology economy — can be found at...
www.TechConnectWV.com
This report is the BIOMETRICS REPORT only.
The full reports can be found at:
www.TechConnectWV.com
This report was funded by contributions from the West Virginia Development Office,
West Virginia University, Marshall University, and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
with assistance provided by Vision Shared Inc.
This report was prepared by TechConnectWV with consultation
and assistance from Battelle Technology Partnership Practice
Copyright 2009 |