Robert C. Cresanti, Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology, and Stephen Pinkos, Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, will visit Austin on Tuesday, October 24. They will be joined by Congressman Lamar Smith in meeting with local Technology leaders to discuss the Administration’s innovation policy and the role innovation plays in economic development and job creation. Austin ranks high among U.S. cities when it comes to innovation with the third-highest number of patents according to a study by ipIQ.

“With the global marketplace steadily marching towards a technology-based future, it is more important than ever before that we all attract and grow top-notch researchers and technology employers that will form the backbone of tomorrow’s economy,” Governor Rick Perry said of this month’s announcement that Austin will be the home to a new Nanotechnology Research Center.

Technology companies will then have the opportunity to share regional success stories.

WHAT: Discussion/ Press Availability with Secretary Robert C. Cresanti, Deputy Secretary Stephen Pinkos and Congressman Lamar Smith

WHEN: Tuesday, October 24, 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: IC2 Institute at the University of Texas at Austin, 2815 San Gabriel

Secretary Cresanti leads the Technology Administration which has the primary mission of maximizing the competitiveness and innovation of the U.S. technology industry and its contribution to America’s economic growth and global leadership.

Deputy Secretary Pinkos advises the President, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Administration about intellectual property matters.

Congressman Smith represents the residents of the 21st Congressional District and serves as the Chair of the Intellectual Property Committee in the House.

The Greater Austin Chamber is committed to advancing Opportunity Austin, its five-year initiative aimed at creating 72,000 new jobs in the region.