“Georgia Tech has long provided America with some of its top technological talent,” said Locke. “It is quickly turning Atlanta into a magnet for innovators and entrepreneurs.” He gave as an example Georgia Tech’s critical role in a decision announced Wednesday by HydroPhi Technology, a hydrogen energy company, to establish its headquarters, R&D center and factory in the Atlanta area, creating 300 jobs.

Locke talked about the important role that research universities have as drivers of economic activities. “The challenge is to make this high level of performance of commercialization and job creation the standard nationwide,” he said.