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

     (2) The board shall consist of the following members:

     (a) Nine members of the general public. Of the general public membership, at least six shall be individuals who are associated with or employed by technology-based or manufacturing-based industries and have broad business experience and an understanding of high technology;

     (b) The executive director of the Washington technology center or the director's designee;

     (c) The provost of Washington State University or the provost's designee;

     (d) The provost of Eastern Washington University or the provost's designee;

     (e) The provost of Central Washington University or the provost's designee;

     (f) The provost of the University of Washington or the provost's designee;

     (g) An academic representative from the Spokane community colleges;

     (h) One member from Gonzaga University; and

     (i) One member from Whitworth College.

     (3) The term of office for each board member, excluding the executive director of the Washington technology center, the provosts of Washington State University, Eastern Washington University, Central Washington University, and the University of Washington, shall be three years. The executive director of the institute shall be an ex officio, nonvoting member of the board. Board members shall be appointed by the governor. Initial appointments shall be for staggered terms to ensure the long-term continuity of the board. The board shall meet at least quarterly.

     (4) The duties of the board include:

     (a) Developing the general operating policies for the institute;

     (b) Appointing the executive director of the institute;

     (c) Approving the annual operating budget of the institute;

     (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 institute;

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

     (g) Coordinating with public, independent, and private institutions of higher education, and other participating institutions of higher education in the development of training, research, and development programs to be conducted at the institute that are 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) Reviewing annual progress reports on funded research projects;

     (j) Providing an annual report to the governor and the legislature detailing the activities and performance of the institute; and

     (k) 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 institute.

     (5) The board may enter into contracts to fulfill its responsibilities and purposes under this chapter.

[1998 c 344 § 10.]

NOTES:

     *Reviser's note: The "department of community, trade, and economic development" was renamed the "department of commerce" by 2009 c 565.

     Intent -- Findings -- 1998 c 344: See note following RCW 28B.38.010.