(1) The board shall oversee, coordinate, and evaluate the high-technology programs.

     (2) The board shall:

     (a) Determine the specific high-technology occupational fields in which technical training is needed and advise the institutions of higher education and the higher education coordinating board on their findings;

     (b) Identify economic areas and high-technology industries in need of technical training and research and development critical to economic development and advise the institutions of higher education and the higher education coordinating board on their findings;

     (c) Oversee and coordinate the Washington high-technology education and training program to ensure high standards, efficiency, and effectiveness;

     (d) Work cooperatively with the superintendent of public instruction to identify the skills prerequisite to the high-technology programs in the institutions of higher education;

     (e) Work cooperatively with and provide any information or advice which may be requested by the higher education coordinating board during the board's review of new baccalaureate degree program proposals which are submitted under this chapter. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as altering or superseding the powers or prerogatives of the higher education coordinating board over the review of new degree programs as established in *section 6(2) of this 1985 act;

     (f) Work cooperatively with the department of community, trade, and economic development to identify the high-technology education and training needs of existing Washington businesses and businesses with the potential to locate in Washington;

     (g) Work towards increasing private sector participation and contributions in Washington high-technology programs;

     (h) Identify and evaluate the effectiveness of state sponsored research related to high technology; and

     (i) Establish and maintain a plan, including priorities, to guide high-technology program development in public institutions of higher education, which plan shall include an assessment of current high-technology programs, steps to increase existing programs, new initiatives and programs necessary to promote high technology, and methods to coordinate and target high-technology programs to changing market opportunities in business and industry.

     (3) The board may adopt rules under chapter 34.05 RCW as it deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

     (4) The board shall cease to exist on June 30, 1987, unless extended by law for an additional fixed period of time.

[1998 c 245 § 22; 1995 c 399 § 30. Prior: 1985 c 381 § 2; 1985 c 370 § 87; 1983 1st ex.s. c 72 § 6.]

NOTES:

     *Reviser's note: A literal translation of "section 6(2) of this 1985 act" would be RCW 28B.80.350(2), however, material relating to new degree programs is found in RCW 28B.80.340. RCW 28B.80.340 was subsequently repealed by 2004 c 275 § 75.