Cheryl Makin; Home News Tribune
NORTH BRUNSWICK – Big Data has the potential for big results in terms of attracting and retaining industry for the state, experts in New Jersey say.
That’s why a consortium of academia, government and industry leaders have collaborated on creating a one-stop home for the massive amounts of data collected by the likes of sensor cameras, social media and a variety of other sources, said Margaret Brennan-Tonetta, associate vice president for economic development at Rutgers University.
A bill signed by Gov. Chris Christie officially recognizes the New Jersey Big Data Alliance as the state’s advanced cyberinfrastructure consortium. That move gives the NJBDA legitimacy in the eyes of industry, Brennan-Tonetta said.
“That is very important,” Brennan-Tonetta said. “Now, New Jersey can be a competitor.
“The NJBDA will increase public and private access to advanced cyberinfrastructure, increase the ability of member institutions to secure federal funding and enhance the state’s competitiveness to attract and retain industry.”
The NJBDA is a “from the grounds-up” partnership of the state’s higher education institutions that was established to build the state’s reputation as a leader in innovation and cutting-edge technology.
According to outgoing Assemblyman and Deputy Speaker Upendra Chivukula, the law paves the way for the state to become a national leader in Big Data.