Case Western Reserve University President Edward M. Hundert is taking on an integral role in strategic planning for programs intended to spur growth in technology, research and entrepreneurship in Ohio.

Hundert has been appointed by Ohio Gov. Bob Taft to the Third Frontier Advisory Board, which counsels the state's Third Frontier Advisory Commission.

"The Third Frontier Project is key to Ohio's future economic health," Taft said. "There are billions in investment dollars at stake, and Dr. Hundert's understanding of today's academic and economic realities will make a critical contribution to assuring the commission has the information and expertise to invest in the right initiatives."

The Third Frontier Project is Ohio's $1.6 billion, 10-year program of investment in new research, new product and process innovation-all tied to new job creation. Ohio's investment is matched by $4.5 billion in federal and private sector investments, providing more than $6 billion in catalytic activities that will play key roles in transforming and strengthening Ohio's economy.

"Case will continue to work closely with the Third Frontier Project to create high-tech research opportunities and spur job growth in a wide variety of fields," Hundert said. "This is an opportunity to help drive Ohio to a leadership role in the development of new technology and business models leveraging the advanced research coming out of some of the finest research institutions in the nation."

According to Hundert, Case and the Third Frontier Project have created a strong partnership since its inception in early 2002. Case has a long-standing history of pioneering advanced research in engineering and biomedical technology, among other important and influential research areas, he said.

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