The primaries held on May 4, 2010, passed Issue 1 "Ohio's Third Frontier" by an overwhelming 62%. This bodes well for the future of science and technology development in Ohio, and ensures a continued potential source of funding for innovative research programs at Cleveland Clinic.
Initially launched in 2002 under former Governor Bob Taft within Ohio's Department of Development, "The Ohio Third Frontier represents an unprecedented and bipartisan commitment to expand Ohio's technological strengths and promote commercialization that leads to economic prosperity throughout Ohio. Designed to build world-class research programs, nurture early-stage companies, and foster technology development that makes existing industries more productive, Ohio Third Frontier creates opportunity through innovation" (http://www.development.ohio.gov/ohiothirdfrontier/).
Since its inception, the program is estimated to have generated 500 companies and 8000 jobs. However, although the initial $1.6 billion program was intended to extend through 2012, low state revenues in the challenged economy have jeopardized its continuation from this healthy start. The passage of Issue 1 now enables Ohio to sell bonds, freeing up an additional $700 million to allow the program to continue after 2012, without an increase in taxes.
Ohio Third Frontier grant funding is appropriated by the Ohio General Assembly according to the direction of the Ohio Third Frontier Commission, which is guided by a 16-member Ohio Third Frontier Advisory Board, comprised of leaders from industry, academia, and government who oversee strategic planning and coordination of programs. Overall, approximately 160 organizations have secured funding from the Ohio Third Frontier initiative. Receiving a total of $121 million, Cleveland Clinic has been awarded the highest amount of Ohio Third Frontier funding in northeast Ohio, and second highest state-wide.
Notable projects that have resulted from this Program are the Brain Neuromodulation Center; Age-related Macular Degeneration Initiative for Prevention and Care; Clinical Tissue and Engineering Center; Atrial Fibrillation Innovation Center; Global cardiovascular Innovation Center; Development of a nitric oxide sensor for at-home asthma monitoring; Small molecule development to enhance repair in multiple sclerosis aiming to delay and even reverse disease progression; Nitinol Center, and the Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine.