About Us

Through a Board of Directors composed of the leaders of the Bay Area’s major research universities, national research laboratories, independent research institutions, and research and development-driven businesses, BASIC integrates the scientific and technological strengths of the Bay Area’s R&D community and implements an action-oriented agenda.

When, How and Why

BASIC was created by the Bay Area Economic Forum in 1999, based on concerns by the Economic Forum that the nine-county Bay Area was not fully aware of the tremendous scientific and technological wealth within the region and of the critical linkage between our research and development strength and our economic vitality. The Economic Forum also was concerned that the region was not working together to support and advance the scientific leadership of the Bay Area.

Structure and Funding

BASIC is a nonprofit regional organization primarily funded through the contributions of its Board of Directors. There is no paid staff; the Economic Forum staffs BASIC.

The Board of Directors establishes the BASIC action agenda. Volunteer members of BASIC and other organizations implement the BASIC agenda.

The Bay Area Economic Forum is a nonprofit, public-private regional organization that addresses issues impacting the economic vitality of the nine-county Bay Area. BASIC is a program of the Economic Forum and is co-sponsored by the Bay Area Council (a private sector regional organization) and the Association of Bay Area Governments (a public sector regional organization).