Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 162

RESOLUTION CHAPTER 148

  Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 162--Relative to the University of California.
[Filed with Secretary of State September 15, 1988]

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

ACR 162, Farr. University of California: Council on Science and Technology.

  This measure would urge the establishment, within one year of the effective date of this resolution, of the California Council on Science and Technology, to report to the presidents of the University of California, the University of Southern California, the California Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and the Chancellor of the California State University, and to respond to the Governor, the Legislature, and other entities on public policy issues related to science and technology.

  WHEREAS, California's output of goods and services ranks it as the sixth greatest economic power in the world; and

  WHEREAS, Over 25 percent of the members of the National Academy of Sciences live and work in California as do more than 25 percent of the engineers working in the United States today; and

  WHEREAS, California's preeminence in science and technology was the basis for the development of the aerospace, microelectronics, and other advanced technologies in this state; and

  WHEREAS, The state's scientists and technicians also were instrumental in making California one of the most productive agricultural states; and

  WHEREAS, The rapid computerization of many formerly mechanical functions in manufacturing and the service industries, and the swift pace of discoveries in advanced materials both point toward science and technology as essential to future advances in nearly every sector of the economy; and

  WHEREAS, California owes its preeminence to its excellent educational system, including the University of California and California State University systems, its superb independent universities and colleges, and its extensive community college system which provides highly trained manpower for California's industries; and

  WHEREAS, The maintenance of California's science and technology infrastructure is vital to the continued growth of this state's economy; and

  WHEREAS, The state's economic growth also depends on the ability to carry out successfully long-range research which addresses problems facing our industries and reaches toward areas of likely scientific and technological advancement; and

  WHEREAS, Such research provides education and training to California's students and an opportunity for faculty to break new ground in a broad range of topics; and

  WHEREAS, According to the Master Plan for Higher Education the University of California is California's "primary state-supported academic agency for research"; and

  WHEREAS, The University of California, together with others in the state's academic community, maintains preeminent faculties of capable and world renowned scientists, engineers, and technological experts; and

  WHEREAS, California is fortunate to have a group of major research universities, the University of California, the University of Southern California, the California Institute of Technology, and Stanford University, each acknowledged to be world class and each of which conducts over $100 million of sponsored projects and grants more than 100 doctorates each year in science and technology related fields; and

  WHEREAS, Consistent with the Master Plan for Higher Education, the California State University system engages in research, scholarship, and creative activity in support of its instructional and public service mission; and

  WHEREAS, Limited public funding and the severe pressures of our increasingly international and competitive world economy require that long-range research needs be identified; and

  WHEREAS, A strong and vibrant long-range research program with effective technology transfer mechanisms and genuine industry/university collaboration is necessary to ensure California's ability to retain vital industries and to continue to recruit scientific talent; now, therefore, be it

  Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the President of the University of California, in collaboration with the presidents of the University of Southern California, the California Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and the Chancellor of the California State University--consistent with the role of their respective institutions under the master plan is requested to establish, within one year of the effective date of this resolution, the California Council on Science and Technology, which will report to the presidents and chancellor and respond appropriately to the Governor, the Legislature, and other relevant entities on public policy issues significantly related to science and technology; and that, in establishing the council, the President of the University of California will also seek consultation with other appropriate educational and research institutions in the state; and be it further

   Resolved, That the council identify long-range research needs for sustaining the state's economic development and competitiveness and provide direction for new scientific and technological activities; and be it further

  Resolved, That the council assess private sector/university relations and technology transfer, particularly with respect to California's economic development, leadership in research and development, and capacity to retain vital industries and scientific talent in California; and be it further

  Resolved, That the council analyze these public policy issues involving science and technology, and prepare and present an annual report pursuant to its studies and findings for dissemination; and be it further

  Resolved, That the membership of the council be comprised of distinguished scholars and experts, including scientists and engineers from California's academic and industrial community; and be it further

  Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the Governor, the President of the University of California, and the Regents of the University of California.