Bill > HB34

This bill establishes the Alaska Innovation Council (AIC), a new 12-member council within the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development designed to promote innovation and economic growth in Alaska. The council will include representatives from state government, the University of Alaska, entrepreneurs, investors, emerging industries, labor organizations, and regional development groups. Members will serve staggered three-year terms and elect a chair annually. The council's primary duties include advising the governor, legislature, and various organizations on promoting research commercialization, attracting investment in emerging industries, stimulating startup capital, and developing entrepreneurial capabilities. Each year, the council must produce an innovation and economic competitiveness plan that includes recommendations on expanding industry strengths, promoting business development, creating an innovation index, and assessing regional economic development efforts. The bill specifies that council members will serve without compensation and the Department of Commerce will provide staff support. Initially, council members will be appointed to varying initial term lengths (one, two, or three years) to establish the staggered term structure, and the first innovation plan will be due by January 1st following the bill's effective date.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=HB34