Former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman recently addressed the Board of Directors of the Research & Development Council of New Jersey, sharing reflections on the role of research, development, and innovation in effective state leadership and long-term economic competitiveness.

Drawing on her experience leading New Jersey through periods of economic and technological change, Governor Whitman spoke with Board members about the importance of sustained investment in research and development, the connection between STEM education and economic growth, and the challenges governors face in balancing immediate priorities with long-term innovation strategies. Her remarks emphasized the value of collaboration among government, industry, and academic institutions in positioning New Jersey as a national leader in innovation.

“New Jersey’s strength has always come from its people, its universities, and its research-driven industries,” said Whitman. “Prioritizing innovation and the STEM talent pipeline is a necessity to our long-term economic competitiveness. When government, academia, and industry work together with a shared vision, we create the conditions for ideas to move from the lab to the marketplace and for the next generation of leaders to thrive.” Click here to read more.