(1) The Spokane intercollegiate research and technology institute is created.

     (2) The institute shall be operated and administered as a multi-institutional education and research center, housing appropriate programs conducted in Spokane under the authority of institutions of higher education as defined in RCW 28B.10.016. Washington independent and private institutions of higher education may participate as full partners in any academic and research activities of the institute.

     (3) The institute shall house education and research programs specifically designed to meet the needs of eastern Washington.

     (4) The establishment of any education program at the institute and the lease, purchase, or construction of any site or facility for the institute is subject to the approval of the higher education coordinating board under RCW 28B.76.230.

     (5) The institute shall be headquartered in Spokane.

     (6) The mission of the institute is to perform and commercialize research that benefits the intermediate and long-term economic vitality of eastern Washington and to develop and strengthen university-industry relationships through the conduct of research that is primarily of interest to eastern Washington-based companies or state economic development programs. The institute shall:

     (a) Perform and facilitate research supportive of state science and technology objectives, particularly as they relate to eastern Washington industries;

     (b) Provide leading edge collaborative research and technology transfer opportunities primarily to eastern Washington industries;

     (c) Provide substantial opportunities for training undergraduate and graduate students through direct involvement in research and industry interactions;

     (d) Emphasize and develop nonstate support of the institute's research activities; and

     (e) Provide a forum for effective interaction between the state's technology-based industries and its academic institutions through promotion of faculty collaboration with industry, particularly within eastern Washington.

[2004 c 275 § 55; 1998 c 344 § 9.]

NOTES:

     Part headings not law -- 2004 c 275: See note following RCW 28B.76.030.

     Intent -- Findings -- 1998 c 344: "It is the intent of the legislature to provide the necessary access to quality upper division and graduate higher education opportunities for the citizens of Spokane. The legislature intends that the Spokane branch campus of Washington State University, offering upper-division and graduate programs, be located at the Riverpoint Higher Education Park and that Washington State University be the administrative and fiscal agent for the Riverpoint Higher Education Park. In addition, those programs offered by Eastern Washington University that meet the rules and guidelines established by the higher education coordinating board's program approval process may serve students at the Riverpoint Higher Education Park. The legislature intends to streamline the program planning and approval process in Spokane by eliminating the joint center for higher education; thereby treating the Spokane higher education community like other public higher education communities in Washington that receive program approval from the higher education coordinating board. However, the legislature encourages partnerships, collaboration, and avoidance of program duplication through regular communication among the presidents of Spokane's public and private institutions of higher education. The legislature further intends that the residential mission of Eastern Washington University in Cheney be strengthened and that Eastern Washington University focus on the excellence of its primary campus in Cheney.

     In addition, the legislature finds that the Spokane intercollegiate research and technology institute is a vital and necessary element in the academic and economic future of eastern Washington. The legislature also finds that it is in the interest of the state of Washington to support and promote applied research and technology in areas of the state that, because of geographic or historic circumstances, have not developed fully balanced economies. It is the intent of the legislature that institutions of higher education and the department of community, trade, and economic development work cooperatively with the private sector in the development and implementation of a technology transfer and integration program to promote the economic development and enhance the quality of life in eastern Washington." [1998 c 344 § 1.]