Dr. Charles Wessner will deliver the keynote address on Innovation Imperative and the 21st Century University at the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute's (GTMI) External Advisory Board meeting on Wednesday, October 17. Dr. Wessner is a distinguished scholar and a powerful advocate of effective innovation policies.  He is the founder and Director of the National Academy of Sciences Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Program. He is recognized nationally and internationally for his expertise on innovation policy, including public-private partnerships, entrepreneurship, early-stage financing for new firms, and the special needs and benefits of high-technology industry. He works closely with the U.S. Congress, the White House, and major agencies and departments of the U.S.government.   As an outgrowth of his work with the U.S.government, he advises technology agencies, government ministries, and the Prime Ministers of countries in Europe and Asia.  In addition, he cooperates closely with international organizations and lectures at major universities in the U.S.and abroad.