West Virginia launches “Vision 2030” to Boost Science, Technology, and Workforce Development
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) has unveiled “vision 2030,” a strategic plan aimed at strengthening the state’s position in science and technology, attracting new industries, and building a highly skilled workforce.
Developed with the collaboration of RTI International and Keen Point Consulting, Vision 2030 serves as a roadmap for universities, businesses, entrepreneurs, and industries across West Virginia. It outlines how stakeholders can align with the state’s strategic goals and work together for future growth.
The plan is the result of extensive input, gathered through over 60 interviews with representatives from universities, government agencies, and key industries. This feedback informed the identification of four high-priority areas for focused investment and development:
* Life Sciences: Focusing on Health Science, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Resilience.
* AI/ML and Data Science: Including Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning,Data Analytics,and Data Science.
* Advanced Manufacturing: Specifically Robotics and Autonomy.
* Advanced Energy: Covering Energy Reliability & Efficiency and Exploration & Production.
Vision 2030 isn’t just about research; it emphasizes a comprehensive approach to STEM education, targeting students from kindergarten through higher education. “One of our goals is to really interact and engage with those young individuals, and create that curiosity and intellectual questioning, especially that relates to science, technology, engineering, and math,” explained Dr. Janet Rorrer, Senior Director of Science, Research, and Technology at HEPC.
To ensure ongoing progress, HEPC’s executive committee will convene at least three times a year to monitor growth, identify needs, and refine the plan’s implementation.
furthermore, Vision 2030 is designed to meet the criteria for funding eligibility through the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Search (epscor), potentially unlocking important resources for West Virginia’s scientific endeavors.
