Gov. Martin O'Malley Participates in "Fireside Chat" at 1776...back >
July 29, 2014 - Gov. Martin O'Malley (D-MD) participated in a "fireside chat" with Donna Harris, co-founder of 1776, a hub for startups.  O'Malley discussed some of the policies he has implemented in Maryland to encourage innovation including the Maryland Venture Fund, which provides seed and early stage investments in life science companies; changing tenure at the University of Maryland to go beyond the traditional focus on publication and include commercialization; and increased funding for business incubators.  Also under O'Malley, Maryland has for the first time a chief innovation officer.  O'Malley also touted openness and transparency in government.  He noted that Maryland is a leader in open data, pointing to the Maryland.gov StateStat website where citizens can easily view the progress his administration has made toward his 16 strategic goals.  O'Malley also cited BayStat, which shows the health of the Chesapeake Bay.  O'Malley said his approach to governing is entreprenuerial, not ideological.  "Does it move us forward or hold us back?" he asked.  Harris' final question was on O'Malley's future plans.  "I'm seriously considering running for president in 2016," O'Malley responded, but he said he had no announcement to make today.
The StateStat website Gov. O'Malley mentioned has lots of data presented in
user-friendly charts and graphs.
After his talk Gov. O'Malley talked briefly with some of the entrepreneurs and then proceeded to another event.
Adam Goers is executive director of O'Malley's PAC.
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