Spearheads Legislative Study on Global Innovation and NC Job Creation

February 12, 2010

North Carolina must become even more of an innovator to better compete in the 21st Century, says Senator Joe Sam Queen, the Co-Chair a new legislative committee dedicated to mapping state strategies for competing better in the global economy. At Senator Queen's urging, the Senate and House of Representatives formed the Joint Select Committee on Global Engagement, which recently held its first meeting in Raleigh. The Committee, comprised of 14 legislators, is charged with proposing a framework for our state to foster innovation through the state's existing, well-renowned assets such as universities and high-tech companies. The Committee recently heard from state Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco who stressed the importance of changing and adapting to the global marketplace, especially Asia.

Senator Queen, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Energy, Science and Technology, knows firsthand that we must train our workforce in math, science, and engineering or we risk continued job loss to overseas markets. "We are no longer competing with Virginia and California, but with China and India for jobs. I recently visited China, which is one of the biggest emerging players in economic globalization and will likely become North Carolina's largest trading partner in the next 20-30 years," Queen said.

"North Carolina has many assets and we must come up with a better strategy to put them to better use and create these jobs right here. This is a statewide issue and we must also work to innovate and create high-tech jobs in the mountain region. I believe that renewable energy science, much like biotech was 25 years ago, is a cutting-edge industry and I am proud that North Carolina is already involved in promoting that industry's growth, in keeping with our traditions of innovation. This is one area that holds great promise for our region," Queen concluded.

The Committee will examine the Commerce Department's report and recommendations on innovation and propose legislation. In the coming months, Senator Queen will host the Committee on Global Engagement for a meeting in Western North Carolina.