Technology and Innovation Commons^™

Innovation Hubs In Mountain West Cities, 2025, Cason Noll, Sean Curry, Olivia K. Cheche, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Economic Development & Workforce

This fact sheet presents data on 20 innovation-dense Mountain West cities across Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The CommercialCafe report, “Santa Clara, Berkeley & Tempe Lead Among Western Innovation Hubs,”  uses 15 indicators to rank 63 western cities for innovation hub activity across three categories: employment and talent, education, and business activity.

Understanding Film Tax Credits In Nevada And Nationally, Michael J. Brown, David F. Damore, William E. Brown Jr.

Policy Briefs and Reports

This policy primer provides an overview of Nevada’s transferable tax credit program for film and other productions and reviews articles, reports, audits, and studies of film tax credits as a tool for economic development in the United States. This review considers a significant body of work analyzing the use of film tax credits in support of economic development. Studies and state audits often show that because film tax credits do not create the number and quality of full-time jobs necessary to merit their costs and do little to stimulate other related industries, they are a poor financial choice for state …

The Startup Ecosystem In Southern Nevada: Growth, Energy, And Emerging Entrepreneurship In 2025, Len Jessup, Sean Curry

Policy Briefs and Reports

The startup ecosystem in Southern Nevada has undergone significant transformation during the past decade, evolving from a fragmented and nascent environment into a dynamic and increasingly coordinated landscape. This study examines the growth of the Southern Nevada startup ecosystem, analyzing key components such as funding sources, incubators, accelerators, and public-private collaborations. Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data, including investment trends, economic impact reports, and interviews with over 100 stakeholders, this policy brief provides a comprehensive assessment of the strengths and gaps within the ecosystem. Key findings indicate that while the region has made substantial progress, particularly in fostering early-stage investments …

Kicking The Robots: The Roles Of Transformational Leadership And Fear On Service Robot Risk Awareness And Robot Abuse Relationship, Cass Shum, Hyounae (Kelly) Min, Jie Sun, Heyao (Chandler) Yu, Zhaoli He

Hospitality Faculty Research

Purpose: Service robots are increasingly prevalent in the hospitality industry. While studies have explored the concept of service robot risk awareness (SRRA)– an employee’s perception of service robots posing a threat to human labor– the impact of SRRA on robot abuse and its emotional mechanism through which it affects employees remains unclear. This research leverages emotional appraisal theory to investigate the mediating role of fear of robots in the relationship between SRRA and robot abuse. Additionally, considering the influential role of leadership in shaping emotional appraisal, this study examines the moderating impact of transformational leadership.

Design/Methodology/Approach: To test the proposed …

Payments As A Tool For Policy, Aaron Klein

Brookings Scholar Lecture Series

What are the implications of using payment systems to enforce foreign policy (against Russia, Iran, Cuba, etc...) and domestic policy (on-line poker, cannabis, etc..)? What are the long-term ramifications for the United States, with its dominant status as a global financial system and home to the world reserve currency, using payment systems to achieve its political objectives? In this lecture, Brookings Institution scholar and former deputy assistant secretary for economic policy at the Department of Treasury, Aaron Klein discusses the pros, cons, and intended and unintended consequences of our current system. He proposes a path forward to maximize economic growth …

Ai Integration In The Common Workplace: Beneficial Or Harmful?, Logan Karen, Kirk Silvernail

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

Integrating AI in the Workplace: 77% of businesses are using or exploring AI. 35% of these companies are using AI. 42% of these companies are exploring AI.

Benefits: Productivity and efficiency improvements, daily workflow improvements, resource optimization, cost reduction, innovation.

Challenges: Job security, impact on mental health, psychological impact, ethical challenges.

The path to Ethical and Effective AI Integration: Involve and educate employees, monitor on a continuous bases, identify and manage risks, find a balanced approach.

Payments Transaction Data From Online Casino Players And Online Sports Bettors, Kasra Ghaharian, Piyush Puranik, Brett Abarbanel, Kazem Taghva, Shane W. Kraus, Ashok Singh, Alan Feldman, Bo Bernhard

International Gaming Institute Faculty Research

Raw datasets were sourced from a U.S. based provider of digital gambling payments systems, who has demanded to remain anonymous. The raw datasets cover a time period of 6-years (2015-2021), representing over 300,000 customers and approximately 90 million transaction records. One of these raw datasets is a transaction log file representing customer payment transaction data across a variety of gambling merchants (e.g., online casinos, sportsbooks, and lottery providers). With this article we describe the transaction log file and provide two filtered subsets of the data. The subsets contain 1-year of customer payments transaction records for two gambling merchants: (1) a …

Finding The Invisible At-Risk Player - Using Technology To Help Identify Customers Spending Beyond Affordable Limits, Tony Schellinck Dr.

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Abstract:

This session will highlight the value of a new EGM Affordability Model specifically adapted for changes in play due to COVID-19. Affordability of play has become a critical regulatory priority that is gaining greater traction worldwide as a gaming provider responsibility. The research presented here can inform a more sophisticated approach that is easy to operationalize, does not require a burden of proof on operators, and simultaneously yields greater results in identifying players spending beyond their abilities. The authors conducted research from 2014-2020, interviewing 10,500 regular electronic machine gamblers in land-based casinos in three countries administering the PGSI and …

Exploring The Effects Of Gamblification On Esports Betting, Cecilia Diaz Dr, Violet Justine Mtonga Dr

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Abstract:

There is a growing trend of gambling/betting organisations attempting to secure a position in the fast-growing and profitable sector of Esports by becoming an inherent part of the sports culture and its community of fans. This alignment is raising concerns due to the community lifestyle and consumption of experience intrinsic in sports/Esports (Gordon, Gurrieri, & Chapman, 2015).

Diffusion of gambling in society is triggered by digital/technological disruption on gambling and changing consumer behaviour and cultural trends. This environment offers innovative opportunities to experience gambling and “gambling-like” experiences online (King et al., 2010) with the extra incentive of ease of …

Rg Smart Gambling Machines: A Prevention Model To Respond To Risky Play In Real Time, Tracy Schrans

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Abstract:

In collaboration with industry, public health, and regulators, Focal Research developed an effective modelling process using player data and technology to identify and assist customers at-risk of having problems with their gambling. The system was originally designed using account-based player data to accurately assess play patterns. Complex algorithms scan the player data stored in an operator’s member data system, alerting operators to play behaviours typically observed among those scoring 8 or higher on the Problem Gambling Severity Index. During a live trial, the system was found to help staff interact with at-risk customers leading to measurable improvement in outcomes …

A Study On The Development Of A Self-Motivation App To Increase Motivation In College Students, Paige Barker, Nathan Guerrero, Kyla Sannadan [email protected]

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

In 2021, the Healthy Mind Network published data which found a consistent decline in the mental health of college students. Mental health struggles is a major factor in lack of motivation in college students. Motivational smart phone applications are prevalent, but there is a lack of applications offering motivation to college students specifically. We hypothesized that a smartphone app geared toward motivating students could positively influence student motivation. To test this hypothesis, we designed and prototyped a new app we call “ Groove”, inspired by the phrase “getting into the groove” which ties in with the notion of productivity or …

Insights On Factors Influencing Startup Failure In The Hospitality Industry, Shivangi Khurania

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Hospitality businesses and innovative startups have faced extremely high failure rates. The author provides insights on the factors that impact startup failure in the hospitality industry after performing a deep analysis on innovation frameworks such as the diffusion of innovation theory, the theory of disruptive innovation, and the ten types of innovation framework. Not only that, the author also provides insights based on their own personal experience and knowledge gained through education at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada. The research explored in this paper revealed that startup failure is not based on one factor alone and how leaders in …

Renewable Energy Legislation In Nevada: 2017 - 2021, Peter Grema, Zachary Walusek, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Environment

The purpose of this fact sheet is to summarize legislative actions from the biennial 79th, 80th, and 81st Nevada Legislative Sessions (2017, 2019, and 2021) regarding solar energy production and state efforts to reach 50 percent energy production from renewable sources by 2030. By 2050, Nevada has a statutorily mandated obligation to be a net-zero carbon producer in fulfilling energy production needs from large scale utility services.

Strengthening The Southern Nevada Workforce Pipeline, Katie M. Gilbertson

Student Research

Workforce development has been a keystone in the discussion of economic diversification of Las Vegas for decades. The leisure and hospitality industry is the lifeline for the Southern Nevada economy due to the reliance on tourism as the city’s main economic driver. The leisure and hospitality industry requires physical labor and more face-to-face customer interaction than other employment sectors. Thus, these jobs often do not require high educational attainment, but rather sharp soft skills like effective listening, nonverbal communication, and negotiation strategies. While these are valuable traits, the lack of educational attainment within the leisure and hospitality workforce suppresses employees’ …

The Rise Of Southern Nevada As A Cluster For Metropolitan Transit Technology Innovations, Arthur C. Nelson

Policy Briefs and Reports

Southern Nevada is emerging as the nation’s leader in private sector-driven innovations in transportation technologies. From the humble beginnings of a monorail system serving a portion of major hotel and gaming venues along the Las Vegas Strip, now supplemented by an array of people movers, Southern Nevada continues to attract transit innovations in tunneling, Hyperloop, and driverless vehicle delivery technologies. The region may soon anchor a high-speed rail system connecting Southern Nevada to Los Angeles. The purpose of this briefing paper is to frame the nature of this emerging transportation cluster and the opportunities this creates for Southern Nevada to …

Transdisciplinarity In Experience Design: A Global Survey Of Higher Ed Programs In Exd/Xd, Yvonne Houy

Creative Collaborations

In our age of ubiquitous devices and digital media it is the perceived value of the end-to-end experience that brings people to a place. Designing inspiring and emotionally engaging end-to-end experiences requires experts in a wide range of disciplines committed to an interdisciplinary collaboration that can arrive at transdisciplinary design - the sum becomes greater than its parts.

Civil engineering, hospitality, business, psychology, digital User Experience (UX) design, and experience data analysis need to be seamless integrated with the fine and performing arts and design fields:

• Architecture, interior, landscape and sound design actively engage the senses.

• Graphic and fine arts …

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Does The Provision Of High-Technology Health Services Change After The Privatization Of Public Hospitals?, Zo Ramamonjiarivelo, Ferhat Zengul, Josué Epané, Larry Hearld, Luceta Mcroy, Robert Weech-Maldonado

Healthcare Administration and Policy Faculty Research

Background: Public hospitals hold a key role in providing health care services especially to individuals without health insurance, those who are partially covered by health insurance, and low income population. However, some of these hospitals have converted to private status. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of the ownership conversion of public hospitals into private status on the provision of high-technology health services. Methods: This study used a non-experimental longitudinal design based on merged secondary data from the American Hospital Association annual survey, the Area Health Resources File, and the Local Area Unemployment Statistics [1997–2013]. The …

Tech Innovation Capacity In Mountain West Metros, Ally M. Beckwith, William E. Brown Jr.

Economic Development & Workforce

This fact sheet highlights data on the tech innovation capacity in Mountain West metropolitan areas, as originally reported in 2019 by Robert D. Atkinson, Mark Muro, and Jacob Whiton from the Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program. Tech innovation is defined as advanced industries that are America’s 50 high-R&D, high-STEM manufacturing, energy, and services industries ranging from aerospace and automobile manufacturing to solar electricity generation to internet publishing to bio-tech. Tech innovation is essential to the future of America’s economy. However, “superstar” metropolitan areas creating a regional imbalance within the innovation sector. The Brookings report examines metropolitan areas that are potential …

Evolution Of Publications, Subjects, And Co-Authorships In Network-On-Chip Research From A Complex Network Perspective, Weilong Chen, Xiaohang Wang, Ye Sun, Qiao Hu, Letian Huang, Yingtao Jiang, Amit Kumar Singh, Terrence Mak, Mei Yang

College of Engineering Faculty Research

The academia and industry have been pursuing network-on-chip (NoC) related research since two decades ago when there was an urgency to respond to the scaling and technological challenges imposed on intra-chip communication in SoC designs. Like any other research topic, NoC inevitably goes through its life cycle: A. it started up (2000-2007) and quickly gained traction in its own right; B. it then entered the phase of growth and shakeout (2008-2013) with the research outcomes peaked in 2010 and remained high for another four/five years; C. NoC research was considered mature and stable (2014-2020), with signs showing a steady slowdown. …

Assessing Heart Rate Using Consumer Technology Association Standards, Joel D. Reece, Jennifer A. Bunn, Minsoo Choi, James W. Navalta

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

It is difficult for developers, researchers, and consumers to compare results among emerging wearable technology without using a uniform set of standards. This study evaluated the accuracy of commercially available wearable technology heart rate (HR) monitors using the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) standards. Participants (N = 23) simultaneously wore a Polar chest strap (criterion measure), Jabra Elite earbuds, Scosche Rhythm 24 armband, Apple Watch 4, and Garmin Forerunner 735 XT during sitting, activities of daily living, walking, jogging, running, and cycling, totaling 57 min of monitored activity. The Apple Watch mean bias was within ±1 bpm, and mean absolute percent …

How Technology-Based Start-Ups Support U.S. Economic Growth, Mary Blankenship, Caitlin Saladino, William E. Brown

Economic Development & Workforce

This Fact Sheet examines the trends of technology-based start-ups within the United States and specific states in the Mountain West (Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico) across the top 10 technology industries in 2016, using data provided by a report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.

Digitalization And The American Workforce, Mary Blankenship, Caitlin Saladino, William E. Brown

Economic Development & Workforce

This Fact Sheet examines the rate of digitalization within the Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) of the Mountain West division using the findings and data from Digitalization and the American Workforce, a report from the Brookings Institution.

Skill-Based Gambling Machines: Consumer Attitudes And Capacity For Informed Choice, Sally M. Gainsbury, Kahlil Philander Ph.D., Georgia Grattan Ms

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Abstract

Skill-based gambling machines combine elements of video games (skill, social interaction, competition, achievement and progress) with the random pay-out schedule of electronic gaming machines (EGMs, slots, pokies, VLTs, FOBTS). These new machines are designed to be more engaging than traditional EGMs and specifically appeal to younger generations to address the aging EGM player base apparent in many international jurisdictions. Skill-based gambling machines are currently only legally-provided in a handful of U.S. states. International regulators have expressed concerns regarding the potential for machines to lead to harms due to players misunderstanding the extent to which skill can influence outcomes (illusions …

Self-Efficacy In Situation Background Assessment And Recommendation Communication Using Information Technology In Baccalaureate Nursing, Kelly Etcheberry Espinoza

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Strong communication skills are essential in establishing a foundation for safe delivery of care. A report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) titled: To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System estimated 44,000 to 98,000 deaths occur due to medical errors annually. Communication failure was found to be the root cause in 70% of these cases of medical error. Several studies also indicate communication issues still represent up to 80% of errors and sentinel events in hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission. The IOM's report indicate improving communication in the healthcare setting is essential in reducing medical errors.

In …

Evaluating Event Effectiveness Across Alternate Platforms, Kristin Marie Malek

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

As technology continues to influence younger generations and demand a commanding presence in the workplace, more industries are trying to incorporate these advances. Organizations are rapidly adopting new technologies and have justified their return on investment by examining new attendee rates, ‘click-throughs’ on links, and company specific metrics. Despite advances in technology and growing consumer dependence on electronics, the meeting and events industry has been slow to adopt IT advances for fear of cannibalization (Fenich, et al., 2011; Pearlman & Gates, 2010). The goal of this research was to gain a better understanding of how alternate platforms can affect event …

An Analysis Of Empirical Research Of Social Media And User-Generated Content In The Hospitality Industry, Didi Fan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Hospitality remains highly competitive industry where establishments are always pushing new efforts to positively attract and retain consumers more so than the others. In recent years, the most significant trend in reaching to consumers is through social media. The research dives into great detail in the interactions and cause and effect between consumers and hospitality in social media such as the effect of user generated content. The research produces more details and ideas than simply engaging in social media helps hospitality establishments. The information was attained from a large content analysis of previous research, studies, surveys, experiments, statistical and quantitative …

Evaluating E-Relationship Marketing Features On Hotel Mobile Apps, Xiaolin Lu

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The advent of technology has changed the course of marketing in both the academic and the business field. Given the increasing number of mobile transactions, hotel companies have launched mobile applications (apps) as an alternative e-relationship marketing (e-RM) channel. This study modified a progressive five-level e-relationship building model. The model was employed to evaluate e-RM features of the top 10 hotel companies’ mobile apps. The results indicated that these hotel companies maintained e-RM feature sophistication at the lower levels (Basic and Reactive), but relatively speaking, they did not utilize e-RM features extensively at the higher levels (Accountable, Proactive and Partnership). …

Power America's — And Nevada's — Advanced Industries: State By State, Region By Region, Mark Muro

Brookings Scholar Lecture Series

With the U.S. economy still flat, economic experts and leaders continue to search for the next source of U.S. and regional growth. One key component of the next era of prosperity can be projected: It is what the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program calls the advanced industry (AI) sector. The nation’s most strategic R&D — and STEM worker intensive industries, AIs like aerospace and IT are prime movers of regional and national prosperity, because they are key sources of technology innovation and generate domestic and international exports. Accordingly, the AI swatch of 50 discrete industries has emerged as an important new …

Should Las Vegas Pursue Establishing An Online Gaming Cluster? An Exploratory Study, Laimonas Gubista

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this research was to determine whether (1) clustering benefits cities, (2) Las Vegas is a cluster of the worldwide gaming industry, and (3) online gaming cluster is forming in Las Vegas in spite of unfavorable business environment. The exploratory study should be useful to lawmakers and business leaders in shaping Nevada’s future. It could provide essential information focusing on whether Las Vegas should actively pursue an online gaming cluster.

Cracking The Code On Stem: A People Strategy For Nevada's Economy Executive Summary, Jessica A. Lee, Mark Muro, Jonathan Rothwell, Scott Andes, Siddharth Kulkarni

Brookings Mountain West Publications

Nevada has in place a plausible economic diversification strategy—and it’s beginning to work. Now, the state and its regions need to craft a people strategy. Specifically, the state needs to boost the number of Nevadans who possess at least some postsecondary training in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or math—the so-called “STEM” disciplines (to which some leaders add arts and design to make it “STEAM”).

The moment is urgent—and only heightened by the projected worker needs of Tesla Motors’ planned “gigafactory” for lithium-ion batteries in Storey County.

Even before the recent Tesla commitment, a number of the more high-tech …