S-2159.1                   _______________________________________________

                                            SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5661

                              _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              53rd Legislature                             1993 Regular Session

By Senate Committee on Trade, Technology & Economic Development (originally sponsored by Senators Skratek, Bluechel, Erwin, A. Smith, Sheldon, Winsley and M. Rasmussen)

Read first time 03/03/93.

Creating the state technology coordinating council.

          AN ACT Relating to the establishment of an advanced technology network; adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW; creating a new section; and making an appropriation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature finds:

          (1) The growth and development of small and medium-sized businesses in this state are necessary to ensure the economic health of the state and its citizens;

          (2) The development and commercialization of new technology plays an important role in the growth and development of small and medium-sized businesses;

          (3) The adoption of new products and processes by existing businesses increases the productivity and competitiveness of these businesses;

          (4) There are numerous public and private entities within the state that can assist small and medium-sized businesses in the development and utilization of new products and processes; and

          (5) Small and medium-sized businesses are often unaware of the entities that can provide technology transfer and industrial extension and modernization assistance to them.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  The department of trade and economic development shall 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.  When possible, the department shall categorize capabilities by the sector served by the activities.  This assessment shall be used in the development of a state-wide advanced technology network that shall assist small and medium-sized businesses in accessing and utilizing research and modernization capabilities available in the state.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  The director of the department of trade and economic development may establish an advisory board to assist in the development and implementation of the state-wide advanced technology network.  The advisory board may consist of:  Representatives from the state universities, state community and technical colleges, state agencies, and federal or private laboratories involved in conducting research and development, technology transfer, or industrial extension and modernization activities; representatives of economic development providers; representatives of business assistance providers; representatives of small and medium-sized businesses.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.  Sections 2 and 3 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 43 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.  The sum of one hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1995, from the general fund to the department of trade and economic development for the purposes of this act.

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