AK SCR10

Proclaims 2019 as the Year of Innovation in Alaska to promote economic growth and diversification through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Recognizes that nearly all new job creation annually comes from startups, with first-year firms creating an average of 3,000,000 jobs per year according to the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Establishes a Year of Innovation "pipeline" through collaboration between regional and statewide economic development organizations, universities, investors, and entrepreneurs, including events like the Arctic Innovation Competition, Innovation Summit, Alaska Startup Week, and Launch: Alaska accelerator program.

Emphasizes that 20 percent of innovations come from collaborations between multiple institutions, with half being public-private partnerships between private companies and universities or government research labs.

Affirms the importance of university research, data-driven innovation, and the Juneau Economic Development Council's annual innovation summit and Alaska Innovators Hall of Fame in fostering a culture of innovation in the state.