Northwest Aerospace News — Issue No. 30 December 2022 | January 2023 | Page 42

1 . Employment of emerging technologies to include uncrewed , autonomous and alternative propulsion systems ;
2 . New , modified or proposed federal regulations ;
3 . National and international competitiveness ;
4 . State policy considerations ;
5 . Funding priorities and capital project needs ;
6 . Methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions ; and
7 . Workforce development needs and opportunities .
The committee is led by WSDOT Director Roger Millar and Commerce Director Lisa Brown . Six subcommittees were set up to review opportunities and barriers to the continued growth of aviation and aerospace . More than sixty members support the subcommittees , and they have been working since March to develop a portfolio of recommendations for both departments .
The subcommittees have engaged in research and a SWOT analysis of the sectors . They are currently developing a slate of initial policies that could accelerate the design and development of new aircraft , like uncrewed and emerging segments , and also support our legacy programs . The workforce of the future will need additional training on new equipment and technologies that will significantly change the way that these aircraft and spacecraft are designed and manufactured . Our classrooms and educational facilities will need staff , funding and research to create and drive innovation , enabling Washington to compete with other locations for aerospace and aviation investments .
It ’ s not just business as usual . Our state , our companies , and our legislative and policy partners are working together to ensure that the future of flight research , design , development and manufacturing remains an important part of our economy .
42 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS