The South Dakota REACH (Research Excellence: A Critical Hallmark) Committee, which provides oversight of South Dakota’s federal EPSCoR programs, met on June 8 & 9 in Chamberlain, SD. During the meeting the REACH committee gained input that will help build a strategy for further development of South Dakota’s research infrastructure and educational programs to create the STEM workforce necessary to support a knowledge-based economy.

Representatives from higher education, government and business came together for the meeting. The focus for the meeting included:

• Creating an environment that fosters research and innovation 
• Building on South Dakota’s competitive advantages
• Building a 21st century education system for a 21st century workforce, and
• The infrastructure for a more efficient, responsive and digital state

 
South Dakota Governor, Dennis Daugaard was scheduled to speak at the meeting, but due to the Missouri River flooding was unable to attend. South Dakota Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Pat Costello, spoke on behalf of the Governor.

Costello said that through the REACH Committee, the state wants to further identify opportunities for South Dakota to not only engage in research and technological growth, but also to lead these efforts.  Costello also stressed that Governor Daugaard wants the REACH Committee to identify the role each partner can play in developing South Dakota’s research enterprises, developing a workforce to support those enterprises, and in making South Dakota stronger and more responsive. With the input gained through the meeting Governor Daugaard charged the committee to make recommendations for specific actions by the fall.