Can New Jersey Compete?

From the Times Trenton:

Summit attendees lament losses in manufacturing jobs

New Jersey is losing manufacturing jobs and, with them, its competitive edge in a global economy.

That was the consensus of participants in a business summit held yesterday at Mercer County Community College's Conference Center.

"There's no question we need to adjust our thinking in how we do business and how we compete," said U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (D-Hopewell Township), who spoke at the summit, "Maximizing Your Business Potential," that drew representatives from more than 60 manufacturers from central New Jersey.

Between 2000 and 2005, according to Holt, New Jersey lost 98,900 high-paying manufacturing jobs.
...
"New Jersey still maintains, in some ways, a leading-edge economy," Holt added. "But we're at risk for losing that edge."

Holt said he has been supporting legislation on the federal level that would improve conditions for businesses. Among other things, Holt said he hopes to make a federal tax credit for research and development permanent and easier for small businesses to use.

"New Jersey has a tradition of research-based industry and we should embrace that," Holt said.