SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5661

   AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMIC

                  DEVELOPMENT, MARCH 2, 1993

Brief Description:  Creating the state technology coordinating council.

SPONSORS: Senators Skratek, Bluechel, Erwin, A. Smith, Sheldon, Winsley and M. Rasmussen

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5661 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means. 

     Signed by Senators Skratek, Chairman; Sheldon, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Deccio, Erwin, M. Rasmussen, and Williams.

Staff:  Traci Ratzliff (786‑7452)

Hearing Dates: February 17, 1993; March 2, 1993

BACKGROUND:

There are numerous public and private institutions, including state funded technology transfer programs, research universities, community and technical colleges, and private and federal laboratories conducting research activities and industrial extension and modernization activities of interest to small and medium sized businesses.

Many of these institutions are equipped to assist small and medium sized businesses in the development and utilization of new products and processes.

     Unfortunately, small and medium sized businesses are often unaware of these institutions and the kinds of assistance that can be provided by such entities.

     Currently, there is no central location for accessing information on the technology transfer, industrial extension and modernization capabilities that exist in public and private institutions in this state.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Trade and Economic Development is directed to conduct an assessment of the technology transfer and industrial extension and modernization capabilities existing in all federal, state and private research institutions, state universities, state community and technical colleges, and state agencies in Washington.  This assessment will be used to develop a statewide advanced technology network.  This network will assist small and medium sized businesses to access and utilize the research and modernization capabilities available in this state.

The State Technology Coordinating Council is created.  The council has the following duties: participate in the development of a statewide advanced technology network; develop consortia of technology transfer and industrial extension and modernization providers; improve delivery of technology transfer and industrial extension and modernization services to small and medium-sized businesses within the state and identify gaps in the current delivery of such services; cooperate in efforts to access federal funding for improving the delivery of services to small and medium sized businesses; work with local economic development providers to improve the delivery of services; provide a forum for the exchange of information concerning ongoing research activities occurring in the state.

The council consists of representatives from the public and private institutions in this state that conduct research and development, technology transfer and industrial extension and modernization activities, state business assistance providers, and industry associations.  Members of the council are appointed by the Governor.

The Department of Trade and Economic Development provides the staffing for the council.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The advisory council on advanced technology is removed.  The Director of the Department of Trade and Economic Development may establish an advisory board to assist in the development and implementation of an advanced technology network.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

There are a large number of businesses in this state that do not know about the research, technology transfer and industrial extension/modernization capabilities that exist in this state that could be of assistance to them.  This bill will provide for the gathering of this information that can then be accessed by business at a centralized location.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED (original bill):  Paul Sommers, The Northwest Policy Center (pro); Bob Fulton, Washington Software Association (pro); Barbara Campbell, Department of Trade and Economic Development (pro); Robin Swenson, Department of Trade and Economic Development (pro)