Washington Business Fall 2019 | Washington Business | Page 37

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“I think that that intersection [between tech and
aerospace] is necessary but not sufficient for us to
move forward here. We’ve still got to be intentional
about it.”
— Lisa Brown, director, Washington state Department of Commerce
The competition for talent has intensified in recent years, with tech, life
sciences, and aerospace often tapping into the same limited pool. Several
programs have been launched to strengthen the connection between
employers and training and education. The plan, she says, is to “scale up
the programs that are working well.”
Other issues for the plan may include accelerators and incubators for small
businesses to expand the supply chain and developing the infrastructure
necessary to enable test launches.
seizing the moment
For millennia, space has captured the human imagination. A half-century
ago, humans pierced the veil, with Americans placing astronauts on the
moon. Since then, countless innovations stemming from the space missions
have improved life on earth. Advances in health care, engineering, software
development, food preservation, robotics, and more demonstrate the
practical applications of big dreams.
Space exploration has now entered its next phase. And Washington
businesses are again poised to contribute to its success.
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