So were recent Obama proposals to make the research and development tax credit permanent, and to accelerate business' ability to write off expenses.

WSJ: Change in Tone Depends on Obama

Over the last 30 months, my i-GATE efforts have created a proactive, two-way link between national laboratories and entrepreneurs, industry, innovation networks, venture capital firms, universities, business support services, and economic development resources in order to accelerate the commercialization of innovative energy technologies and grow a cohesive innovation ecosystem.

WHITEHOUSE: Entrepreneurial Local Governments -- A Catalyst for Collaboration and Innovation | The White House

"An integrated, global product development team supporting our automotive business units will enable us to make the best use of our global assets and capabilities and accelerate development of the new vehicles our customers prefer, and do so more efficiently, " Mulally said in a statement.

FORBES: Mulally's First Move