BILL REQ. #:  S-1636.1 

Read first time 02/13/09.   Referred to Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Innovation.

     AN ACT Relating to the director of commercialization and innovation within the office of the governor; and adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) Washington state is fortunate to have a dynamic technology industry sector that benefits from vibrant global demand for its output and which helps drive the Washington state economy. Washington state is uniquely positioned to shape its future success in innovation in the technology sectors of life sciences and high tech. Nearly every state in the nation is competing to develop a strong innovation economy. Washington has the fertile ground in world-class research, entrepreneurial spirit and talent, an actively collaborative community, and an existing foundational sector.
     (2) To leverage its potential, the state must actively work to create and ensure a supportive environment that enables entrepreneurial people and companies to convert their innovative ideas into marketable new products and services. Providing such an environment would:
     (a) Solidify Washington state as a global hotbed of knowledge and technology commercialization;
     (b) Create more highly rewarding and well-paying careers for Washington's citizens;
     (c) Grow more companies in new and far reaching markets;
     (d) Renew traditional industries through value added technology adaptation; and
     (e) Generate solid returns for Washington state.
     (3) In order for Washington to focus on strengthening and growing Washington's innovation economy, a position should be established that reports directly to the governor to direct state government activities aimed to promote and grow innovation in the development and commercialization of proprietary technology in life sciences, such as medical devices and biotechnology, including biofuels and alternative clean energy; and information technology, including hardware, software, internet infrastructure, that address high potential emerging and growing markets.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   There is hereby created the director of commercialization and innovation within the office of the governor for the purposes of promoting innovation in the development and commercialization of proprietary technology.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   The director of commercialization and innovation shall have the following powers and duties:
     (1) Investigate targeted investment strategies to advance commercialization and innovation at the preseed and seed stage of companies in Washington state;
     (2) Establish relationships and serve as a liaison to representatives from the life sciences and technology communities to governmental and business entities, including life science trade and technology trade associations;
     (3) Monitor and mitigate state policies, bills, and fiscal affairs as related to life sciences and technology innovation to insure competitive growth of the industry;
     (4) Manage overall strategies and direction of state government activities related to the life sciences and technology innovation;
     (5) Manage the state's technology-based economic development efforts, making sure the necessary infrastructure is in place to assist companies at every stage of the business life cycle;
     (6) Work to enhance technology transfer and commercialization from the state's public research universities;
     (7) Lead the governor's commercialization and innovation strategy and direct the implementation;
     (8) Chart the course for strategy implementation, tactics, and setting high expectations for continuous high tech business and employee growth in Washington state;
     (9) Identify similar programs in cabinet level departments including, but not limited to, community, trade, and economic development, education and workforce education, and the department of revenue, to ensure all policies and deliverables do not work at cross purposes;
     (10) Lead the effort to position the state as the leader in commercialization of technology innovation, life sciences, and emerging companies;
     (11) Direct political and community relations strategies to help public and private decision makers better understand the needs of the industry;
     (12) Conduct market analysis and competitive review; and
     (13) Collaborate with industry representatives and others to increase the amount of local or regional investment capital available for early stage investments in Washington companies.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   The director of commercialization and innovation shall report on the work and accomplishments of the office and advise and make recommendations to the governor and the legislature annually. The initial report to the governor and the legislature shall be made by December 1, 2009, and there shall be annual reports by December 1st each year thereafter.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   Sections 1 through 4 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 43 RCW.