The study underscores the critical role universities play in a country's national innovation system, not just in the training of new scientists and access to the best talent, but in the ease of developing and licensing technology.

This is a real problem.

Angel capital, whether invested through organized angel groups or by wealthy individuals acting independently, is essential to entrepreneurial start-up activity in the United States. Considering that women's financial power and wealth has grown in the past 20 years -approaching half of the nation's net worth - it appears women are under-represented in this type of investing and that we are missing an opportunity for new investments and perspectives. The gap between the potential and actual participation of women as angel investors raises important questions that need to be addressed.

Despite impressive gains in the numbers and quality of courses over the past 20 years, entrepreneurship education still lives mostly on the fringes of academe, not in the mainstream. Our aim is to change that so that entrepreneurship is a legitimate, full-fledged field of study. The Kauffman Panel's guidance on the formation of a comprehensive curriculum in entrepreneurship is central to this goal.

Despite impressive gains in the numbers and quality of courses over the past twenty years, entrepreneurship education still lives mostly on the fringes of academe, not in the mainstream. Our aim is to change that so that entrepreneurship is a legitimate, full-fledged field of study. The Kauffman Panel's guidance on the formation of a comprehensive curriculum in entrepreneurship is central to this goal.

Although the devastating nature of Katrina cannot be overemphasized, out of this tragedy is an opportunity for minority businesses to become an integral part of the rebuilding process. Minority business participation in this rebuilding effort can be viewed as a general model for how all minority businesses can employ new and innovative growth strategies. Such an opportunity cannot and must not be left to chance or squandered. It's critical to the long-term economic health of the entire region.