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New strategic plan outlines research priorities to drive innovation and economic growth in the state
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — A new five-year science and technology strategic plan released by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and developed in collaboration with RTI International, an independent scientific research institute, and Keen Point Consulting, identifies ways the state can advance the role of STEM education, research and innovation in its economy.
The plan, titled “Vision 2030: West Virginia Science & Technology Plan,” specifically identifies high-priority science and technology research areas that could bolster West Virginia’s research enterprise and industry growth. RTI contributed its experience and capabilities in applied economics, research and innovation activity, and STEM education and workforce analysis to help develop the plan’s key initiatives and metrics.
“Our analysis shows that West Virginia has made solid progress over the past five years on many fronts from growth in academic and business research and development to increases in the number of life sciences degrees completed,” said Jennifer Ozawa, senior economist for innovation and economic development at RTI. “Vision 2030 sets a course for continuing this progress and supporting the growth of new companies and industries across the state.”
Vision 2030 highlights several areas with research and workforce development opportunities:
• Life sciences
• AI/machine learning and data science
• Advanced manufacturing
• Advanced energy
• Fundamental research
• STEM education
The plan fulfills a requirement of the National Science Foundation’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), which supports states with lower than the average amount of federal research funding. The plan was developed with input from government, academic, industry and venture development stakeholders.
“Our mission is for West Virginia to compete and succeed in the global economy by increasing research capabilities and cultivating a highly skilled STEM workforce,” said Dr. Janet Rorrer, senior director of science and research. “Through Vision 2030, we are advancing economic diversification rooted in innovation and talent. The investment of NSF EPSCoR and targeted state funding has helped support foundational sciences at our colleges and universities. We are strategically positioned to expand into high-impact areas that align with our state’s economic development goals.”
RTI and Keen Point Consulting worked alongside the Commission’s STaR Division (Science, Technology & Research) and West Virginia Science and Research Council to develop the plan, which was adopted by the Commission on Sept. 19.
RTI International is an independent scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.
For more information, visit www.rti.org.