The West Virginia Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (WV EPSCoR) seeks to assess its research and education infrastructure and develop a strategic plan to increase the State's research and development (R&D) capacity through the successful submission of a Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) proposal in the next EPSCoR competition. Specifically, the proposed project, Research Strategies in Science, Engineering and Technology Planning (ReSSET), will enable the State to conduct a comprehensive analysis to:
1. evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the WV science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) enterprise;
2. address deficiencies identified by the NSF panel review and senior personnel;
3. identify barriers and formulate strategies to increase academic R&D competitiveness;
4. strengthen partnerships, particularly with K-12 and the state's historically black colleges and universities via outreach activities targeting minority and underrepresented groups, including rural students from disadvantaged communities;
5. develop thematic areas to maximize their impact in meeting state S&T goals;
6. establish specific and measurable milestones and benchmarks, with clearly delineated timelines and metrics; and
7. assess and strengthen the role and function of the WV EPSCoR management team and advisory groups, and delineate reporting lines.
The primary outcomes of this effort will be: (1) a forward-looking strategic plan to increase research competitiveness, enhance STEM, and bolster participation in science and mathematics career tracks; and (2) a revised RII proposal, submitted to the NSF in the Fall 2005. The WV EPSCoR Advisory Council will oversee the six-month planning process. The WV EPSCoR Office, under the leadership of a state director, will lead day-to-day activities.
