ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio Gov. Bob Taft will visit Ohio University on Tuesday, Nov. 19, as part of his drive to promote the Third Frontier Project, the state's $1.6 billion commitment to expanding Ohio's high-tech research capabilities and promoting start-up companies to build high-wage jobs.

Taft's visit will include a tour of Research Enterprise Park facilities and a panel discussion with high-tech business leaders from the region and university officials, which is part of a series of regional summits the governor is holding statewide to develop strategies to create jobs and position Ohio as a leader in the knowledge economy.

The panel discussion will be Web cast and can be viewed on computers at www.ohio.edu/thirdfrontier and www.ohio.edu/3rdfrontier.

"Southeastern Ohio will be able to benefit from some of the Third Frontier initiatives, especially those that favor the formation of new companies in the region. The stakes will be high, the competition fierce and the outcome of the competition will shape the Ohio business climate for decades to come," Ohio University Vice President for Research John Bantle said.

The stop at Ohio University is the eighth trip the governor is making statewide in support of the Third Frontier Project.