Links: University City Science Center pulls $9B, Philadelpians love gadgets and More

In which we link out to the tech news from Philly and elsewhere (when it matters) that slips through the cracks and make it way fun. See others here.

DEFINITE READS

• The University City Science Center rocks, or so a new study from the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia is saying. The largest urban research park in the country has a $9 billion impact on our region, the Business Journal reports. WHYY reports that more tech startups stick around in our region after being incubated by UCSC than other regional research parks see. The Inquirer’s Mike Armstrong reports that most of those firms that stuck around did so within Philadelphia, followed by Montgomery County as the second most popular end-all destination for companies incubated in University City.
• Armstrong also reports a series of nonprofits and task forces telling the city government what the heck they should be doing to foster a better business climate in the Phila-del-phia.

After the jump, a Conshohocken smart energy firm wants to boss the feds around, Philadelphians spend a lot on gadgets and four other tech tales, including our best read story of the week.

MIGHT BE WORTH YOUR TIME

• Mint.com reports that Philadelphians spend more discretionary income on gadgets than people from any other city. Is that possible? Am I misreading what is being suggested there? Anyone have any explanation for this and can share it in the comments?
• Philly Tech News reports that Conshohocken’s Viridity Energy is seeking a chance to help the federal government implement its smart grid technology.

GIVE A GLANCE

• Philly Tech News reports on another one of these damn lists — the Information Week 500 — in which a bunch of suburban companies get called the most innovative business technology companies. The Harleysville Group kills it at No. 7. Check out PTN for other regional nods.
• The Inquirer’s Joey DiStefano reports that apparently Philadelphia is a great big hub for cyber insurance.

• Our Most Trafficked Story of the Week: Announcing our jobs board, free postings for the next week

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