January 15, 2008

 

AASTA REPORT REVEALS SUBSTANTIAL IMPACTS ASTRONOMY AND PLANETARY AND SPACE SCIENCES RESEARCH   HAVE ON ARIZONA ECONOMY

Report also Shows Real Threats to Lucrative Programs if No Action is Taken

 

( Phoenix, Arizona ) --- On Tuesday, January 15th , the Arizona Arts, Sciences, and Technology Academy (AASTA) released an impact report of astronomy, planetary sciences, and space sciences (APSS) research on Arizona's economy. The report was presented to the Commerce and Economic Development Commission by Patrick Burkhart, president of AASTA. The report highlights the enormous contributions APSS research has on Arizona's economy, but also finds potential threats that could reduce Arizona's competitiveness in these fields.

 

Titled Astronomy, Planetary Sciences, and Space Sciences Research Opportunities to Advance Arizona's Economic Growth , the report found that research in APSS in 2006 alone pumped over $250 million into Arizona's economy. By comparison, this is equivalent to the economic impact of one Super Bowl every two years. As a traditional resource for Arizona, APSS have long been relied upon as a stable economic contributor to the state; regardless of the economic environment, APSS research has always been lucrative.

 

The study also found that there are multiple threats to these fields that will diminish these economic contributions if immediate and decisive action is not taken. Recommendations made by the report include creating a plan for the future of research in APSS, increasing federal funding, developing and exploiting technologies within the established infrastructure, such as the state universities, and working with state and local policymakers to protect APSS resources, including setting new measures to control light pollution.  

 

Patrick Burkhart, president of AASTA, said, “Arizona has long been an international leader in astronomy, planetary sciences, and space sciences and this report illustrates just how much of an impact research in these fields has on the state. It is both timely and imperative that federal, state and regional officials consider the report's recommendations so that we continue to attract funding, outside investment, and leverage the technology embedded in these fields to help our economy grow. ”

 

The study leading to the publication of the report was conducted jointly with the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona. The study was funded by the Arizona Department of Commerce, the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, Lowell Observatory, the Large Binocular Telescope Observatory, the Vatican Observatory, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory, and Research Corporation.

 

AASTA, incorporated in 2004, is an independent organization of top intellectual minds in the state of Arizona, representing various academic disciplines. They serve as a prime source on state matters for policy makers, gathering information and making recommendations on matters of interest to Arizona.

 

 

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