BP BHEAD INT H [atlas:bill]

AN ACT Relating to the advanced technology research initiative; adding a new chapter to Title 28B RCW; creating a new section; and making appropriations.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. This chapter shall be known and cited as the advanced technology research initiative.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The legislature recognizes the economic development value of this state's research universities in creating intellectual property of potential commercial significance and the importance of transferring intellectual property to the private sector in accordance with the federal Bayh-Dole act of 1980, where it provides a foundation for creation of new businesses and new jobs. It is a priority of this state to require universities to expand commercial research activities to serve the vital public purpose of creating future employment opportunities in the state.

The legislature finds that high-paying, high-skilled jobs in the twenty-first century will be in advanced technology: Research, development, and manufacturing. Advanced technology research affords educational opportunities for project partnerships for Washington students that results in a skilled work force for Washington businesses. Research will enhance opportunities at the Spokane Research and Technology Institute, at the Washington Technology Center, and at the Washington Research Foundation. The public research universities in this state have tremendous value in creating the future knowledge-based economy.

The legislature further finds that there is considerable competition among states for advanced technology research initiatives and federal grant funds and that intellectual property licensing and contracting provides funding for universities. It is the intent of the state to leverage its investment to attract federal research funds and industrial project funds.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The purpose of this chapter is to enhance the environment for advanced technology and to stimulate greater economic vitality in Washington state. Numerous studies have concluded that greater collaboration between government, research universities, and the private sector will be an essential feature of successful regional economics in the next century. In particular, the role of major research universities in creating, disseminating, and transferring new technologies to various industries will be essential for strong economic growth within the state. Therefore, strategic state investments are required to stimulate advanced technology research initiatives at the University of Washington and Washington State University that create the growth of new industries, provide new applications of advanced technology to existing industries, and foster the creation of high-wage jobs.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Advanced technology" includes the following:

(a) "Advanced computing" means technologies used in the designing and developing of computing hardware and software, including innovations in designing the full spectrum of hardware from hand-held calculators to super computers, and peripheral equipment.

(b) "Advanced materials" means materials with engineered properties created through the development of specialized processing and synthesis technology, including ceramics, high value-added metals, electronic materials, composites, polymers, and biomaterials.

(c) "Biotechnology" means the application of technologies, such as recombinant DNA techniques, biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, genetics and genetic engineering, cell fusion techniques, and new bioprocesses, using living organisms, or parts of organisms, to produce or modify products, to improve plants or animals, to develop microorganisms for specific uses, to identify targets for small molecule pharmaceutical development, or to transform biological systems into useful processes and products or to develop microorganisms for specific uses.

(d) "Electronic device technology" means technologies involving microelectronics; semiconductors; electronic equipment and instrumentation; radio frequency, microwave, and millimeter electronics; optical and optic-electrical devices; and data and digital communications and imaging devices.

(e) "Environmental technology" means assessment and prevention of threats or damage to human health or the environment, environmental cleanup, and the development of alternative energy sources.

(2) "Advanced technology research initiative" means an internationally recognized research effort with a high potential to develop intellectual property of commercial significance.

(3) "Research university" means the University of Washington and Washington State University.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. (1) The University of Washington and Washington State University shall each recruit new advanced technology research initiatives and provide matching dollars for new federal research grant opportunities.

(2) As used in this section, an advanced technology research initiative refers to a research group headed by a senior, full professor who:

(a) Has engaged in internationally known advanced technology research;

(b) Has the ability to recruit at least two junior faculty members to assist in his or her research;

(d) Places a high priority and emphasis on the development of intellectual property of commercial significance;

(e) Has strong, established links to private industry;

(f) Has a proven ability to secure grant funds over time; and

(g) Has the potential to enhance the development of jobs.

(3) Initially, each advanced technology research initiative shall have one full professor and two associate professors who have proven and internationally recognized research credentials in an area of advanced technology. A global search shall be conducted to attract the highest caliber applicants.

(4) Funds received under this chapter shall be targeted toward enhancing the development of existing or emerging Washington advanced technology industries, including but not limited to aerospace, agriculture, animal science, biomedical devices, biotechnology, environmental science, forest products, international trade, material science, micro-electronics, pharmaceuticals, plant science, software, telecommunications, and veterinary medicine.

(5) Matching state dollars for new federal grant initiatives are increasingly required by federal agencies such as the national science foundation and the national institutes of health. Funds received for the purposes of this chapter shall be used solely to help obtain new grants and contracts that facilitate the development of specific Washington industries. Funds received for the purposes of this chapter shall not replace lost federal dollars for existing university grants or contracts.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. (1) Each research university is responsible for providing facilities, infrastructure, and other support necessary for the ongoing success of the advanced technology research initiatives.

(2) The research universities are encouraged to seek private sector contributions to assist in the success of advanced technology research initiatives.

(3) The research universities, in collaboration with research faculty, shall actively and aggressively solicit federal grant funding for advanced technology research initiatives.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. The University of Washington and Washington State University shall each establish an advanced technology advisory committee. A majority of the members of the committee shall be from private industry. The committee shall advise each institution on implementing this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. The University of Washington and Washington State University shall each report to the appropriate committees of the legislature by January 1, 1999, on their progress in implementing this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. Sections 1 through 7 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 28B RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 10. (1) The sum of one million five hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998, from the general fund to the University of Washington for advanced technology research initiatives.

(2) The sum of one million five hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1999, from the general fund to the University of Washington for advanced technology research initiatives.

(3) The sum of one million five hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998, from the general fund to the University of Washington for matching dollars for federal research grant opportunities described in section 5 of this act.

(4) The sum of one million five hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1999, from the general fund to the University of Washington for matching dollars for federal research grant opportunities described in section 5 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 11. (1) The sum of one million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998, from the general fund to Washington State University for advanced technology research initiatives.

(2) The sum of one million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1999, from the general fund to Washington State University for advanced technology research initiatives.

(3) The sum of five hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998, from the general fund to Washington State University for matching dollars for federal research grant opportunities described in section 5 of this act.

(4) The sum of five hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1999, from the general fund to Washington State University for matching dollars for federal research grant opportunities described in section 5 of this act.