As part of a “New Economy Initiative,” the Arizona Board of Regents is proposing a large investment by the state government to increase the number of engineering graduates from ASU. The plan includes adding faculty and establishing science and technology centers to foster partnerships between private industry, government and the university. ASU has been able to “catalyze the tech ecosystem” in Arizona, says Kyle Squires, dean of the Fulton Schools, but the need for new engineers continues to grow at a steady pace. The investment could also enable students to do research for startup companies and other tech-oriented businesses. The chair of the Arizona Technology Association says the initiative plan is critical to ensuring the growth of the state’s tech industries. (Subscriber access only)