NYU prof chosen as state’s first chief innovation officer

By: Daniel J. Munoz
August 13, 2018 10:39 am

Gov. Phil Murphy and the Economic Development Authority announced a rent assistance program for tech startups at the Princeton Innovation Center BioLabs.-(DANIEL J. MUNOZ)

Beth Noveck, a professor at the New York University School of Engineering, will serve as the state’s first chief innovation officer, a position aimed at bolstering the state’s “innovation economy,” Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday.Beth Noveck, a professor at the New York University School of Engineering, will serve as the state’s first chief innovation officer, a position aimed at bolstering the state’s “innovation economy,” Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday.

“To reclaim our innovation economy, we must have fresh, cutting-edge ideas that will not only bring New Jersey into the 21st century, but also improve the lives of our 9 million residents,” Murphy said.

The CIO will look at new policies to promote the state’s innovation and tech sector, as well as collaboration between higher education, the state and the tech economy. Noveck will also be charged with helping devise policies meant to protect both consumers and tech startups.

Under former President Barack Obama, Noveck was the first U.S. Deputy Chief Technology Officer, and director of the White House Open Government Initiative.

Noveck said the technology and innovation economy will help the state “seize the opportunities of the future, namely to spur economic growth, educate our children, increase health and wellness and create new jobs.”

In late July, Murphy and the Economic Development Authority announced a rent assistance program in which the EDA will subsidize several months of a tech startup’s rent at an incubator, accelerator or other collaborative workspace.

“We at the EDA look forward to collaborating with Beth and other public and private partners to leverage existing talent, encourage novel thinking and workforce development, and foster creation of sustainable jobs and economic opportunities,” NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan said in a statement to NJBIZ.

Murphy also revealed plans to expand the research and development tax credit so more types of research projects could make a company eligible for the credits.