At the invitation of Congressman Zach Wamp, congressional, business and scientific leaders from across the nation are meeting in Oak Ridge, Tennessee on June 1 and 2 for the Oak Ridge Summit. The purpose of the Summit is to chart a plan to improve America's competitive position in the global marketplace. Technology, Science and the Environment are the focus areas, highlighting the East Tennessee region's abilities to solve problems and create jobs for the 21st century.
The Summit's Information Technology Exhibit is itself evidence of the unique partnership abilities found in East Tennessee. Several large organizations located in East Tennessee (e.g. BellSouth, Department of Energy, Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, and the University of Tennessee) partnered with a number of local, entrepreneurial telecommunication, computing, and information management firms (e.g. ATS Telephone & Data Systems AudioVideo Group, Information International Associates, Inc., etc.) to make the exhibit possible. Within a period of one month the planning and deployment of the necessary telecommunication and computing infrastructure was completed to allow on-site demonstrations of a multitude of critical information technologies, among them: videoconferencing, distance learning, telemedicine, telerobotics, electronic commerce, advanced manufacturing, Internet-based information systems and networks, virtual collaborative environments, etc.
In addition to demonstrating the application of technologies to real-world problems, the majority of the applications demonstrated are the product of strategic partnerships across two dimensions; partnerships involving private industry, academia and government and partnerships across all geographic boundaries: local, state, regional, national, and international. East Tennessee does not have a "go it alone" mindset. We seek opportunities to leverage our expertise and dollars by working across the nation to address national challenges.
The Information Technology capabilities and expertise found in East Tennessee are helping shape a future characterized by: 1) a commitment to America's competitive position in the global marketplace, 2) a spirit of cooperation to address the region's economic challenges, and 3) the ability to create the jobs of the 21st century. For additional information contact: Chair, Oak Ridge Summit Information Technology Exhibit Committee, DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information, P.O. Box 62, Oak Ridge, TN 37831. Phone: 423-576-8961.