(1) The technology center shall be administered by the board of directors of the technology center.

     (2) The board shall consist of the following members: Fourteen members from among individuals who are associated with or employed by technology-based industries and have broad business experience and an understanding of high technology; eight members from the state's universities with graduate science and engineering programs; the executive director of the Spokane Intercollegiate Research and Technology Institute or his or her designated representative; the provost of the University of Washington or his or her designated representative; the provost of the Washington State University or his or her designated representative; and the director of the department of community, trade, and economic development or his or her designated representative. The term of office for each board member, excluding the executive director of the Spokane Intercollegiate Research and Technology Institute, the provost of the University of Washington, the provost of the Washington State University, and the director of the department of community, trade, and economic development, shall be three years. The executive director of the technology center shall be an ex officio, nonvoting member of the board. The board shall meet at least quarterly. Board members shall be appointed by the governor based on the recommendations of the existing board of the technology center, and the research universities. The governor shall stagger the terms of the first group of appointees to ensure the long term continuity of the board.

     (3) The duties of the board include:

     (a) Developing the general operating policies for the technology center;

     (b) Appointing the executive director of the technology center;

     (c) Approving the annual operating budget of the technology center;

     (d) Establishing priorities for the selection and funding of research projects that guarantee the greatest potential return on the state's investment;

     (e) Approving and allocating funding for research projects conducted by the technology center, based on the recommendations of the advisory committees for each of the research centers;

     (f) In cooperation with the department of community, trade, and economic development, developing a biennial work plan and five-year strategic plan for the technology center that are consistent with the statewide technology development and commercialization goals;

     (g) Coordinating with the University of Washington, Washington State University, and other participating institutions of higher education in the development of training, research, and development programs to be conducted at the technology center that shall be targeted to meet industrial needs;

     (h) Assisting the department of community, trade, and economic development in the department's efforts to develop state science and technology public policies and coordinate publicly funded programs;

     (i) Performing the duties required under chapter 70.210 RCW relating to the investing in innovation grants program;

     (j) Reviewing annual progress reports on funded research projects that are prepared by the advisory committees for each of the research centers;

     (k) Providing an annual report to the governor and the legislature detailing the activities and performance of the technology center; and

     (l) Submitting annually to the department of community, trade, and economic development an updated strategic plan and a statement of performance measured against the mission, roles, and contractual obligations of the technology center.

[2003 c 403 § 11; 1995 c 399 § 26; 1992 c 142 § 4.]

NOTES:

     Intent -- 2003 c 403: See RCW 70.210.010.