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Recognizing and Honoring Dr. Stephen S. Tang for his work at the University City Science Center and his leadership in technology and innovation in the City of Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, Dr. Stephen S. Tang became President and CEO of the University City Science Center, the nation’s oldest and largest urban research park, in 2008. After 10 years as University City Science Center, President & CEO, Dr. Stephen Tang will move on to become the leader of the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based medical device company OraSure Technologies as President & CEO; and
WHEREAS, A major component of Dr. Tang’s legacy at the Science Center is the physical expansion of the Science Center Campus. Under his leadership, the Science Center partnered with Wexford Science & Technology and grew from 17 to 27 acres, rebranding its campus area as uCity Square; and
WHEREAS, Tang’s leadership positioned the Science Center as a leading tech-based economic development organization in the Greater Philadelphia region. Tang transformed the Science Center from a traditional real estate focused research park to an innovation hub, connecting innovators from across the Greater Philadelphia Region. He oversaw the creation of Quorum, which in almost 7 years has welcomed over 70,000 entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, and others to over 1,000 programs and events; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Tang’s work at the Science Center has advanced Philadelphia as an incubator of innovative ideas and companies. The QED Proof-of-Concept funding program for university technologies with market potential began in 2009. It has helped 10 technologies obtain licenses, 8 startups form, and 13 projects leverage $22 million in additional funding; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his work at the Science Center, Dr. Tang also serves on several statewide, regional and local Boards of Directors. Along with Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, he co-chairs the Team Pennsylvania Foundation, which bridges the gap between government and the private sector; and
WHEREAS, In September 2016, Dr. Tang was re-appointed to the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NACIE) and now serves as NACIE co-chair through 2018. NACIE members offer recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce for policies and programs designed to make U.S. communities, businesses, and the workforce more globally competitive. Previously, Tang served on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Innovation Advisory Board; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Tang has been a strong voice in support of immigrant entrepreneurs. When programs like the country’s H1-B visa came under threat, Tang stood by his conviction that the region should do more to protect immigrants; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Tang has used his time at the Science Center to make a significant contribution to our community. He has perhaps been the most transformational leader in the Science Center’s history and leaves it extremely well-positioned for decades of successful growth. We thank him for his service and wish him luck in his future endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVE THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes and honors Dr. Stephen S. Tang for his work at the University City Science Center and his leadership in technology and innovation in the City of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Tang as a sincere expression of the Council of the City of Philadelphia’s gratitude, admiration and recognition.
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