FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5982

C 242 L 12

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Creating the joint center for aerospace technology innovation.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Innovation (originally sponsored by Senators Kastama, Shin, Hobbs, Harper, Eide, Kilmer, Conway, Sheldon, Haugen, Kohl-Welles, Frockt, Keiser, Fain, Tom, Chase and McAuliffe; by request of Governor Gregoire).

Senate Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Innovation

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Higher Education

House Committee on Ways & Means

Background: Global competition in the aerospace industry has intensified in the past decades. In response, a number of states have developed mechanisms to strengthen academic/industry collaboration to support the aerospace industry. Advocates for increased growth of the aerospace industry in the state believe that Washington needs to become a global center for aerospace research, education, and technology transfer.

Summary: The Joint Center for Aerospace Technology Innovation is created to pursue joint industry-university research that can be used in aerospace firms, enhance the education of engineering students, and work with the aerospace industry to identify research needs and opportunities to transfer off-the-shelf technologies. The center will operate under the joint authority of the University of Washington and Washington State University; all baccalaureate institutions will have access to the center in order to meet aerospace industry needs.

The center will have a board of directors appointed by the Governor, representing a cross section of the aerospace industry and higher education. The board is to:

• hire an executive director;

• identify research areas to benefit the aerospace industry in Washington;

• identify entrepreneurial researchers and the steps the universities will take to recruit such researchers;

• assist firms in integrating existing technologies into their operations;

• align the center's activities with those of Impact Washington and Innovate Washington;

• ensure that students enrolled in an aerospace engineering curriculum have direct experience with aerospace firms;

• assist researchers and firms in guarding intellectual property;

• promote collaboration between industry and faculty; and

• develop non-state support for research.

By June 30, 2013, the board is to develop an operating plan that includes specifics on how the center will accomplish its duties. The board is to provide a biennial report to the Legislature and the Governor. The center may solicit funds from a variety of sources to carry out its obligations.

Votes on Final Passage: