West Virginia looks to expand local biometrics industry
Statewide initiative will develop a three-year development plan; FBI and WVU already state leaders in research and development, and I-79 science corridor is ripe for expansion
The words “biometrics” and “Appalachia” do not typically leap to mind at the same time, yet West Virginia is putting its best foot forward with the state’s new Biometrics Initiative. The project will create a regional, Internet-based commnications network for local planners and security officials, and a research team will soon begin developing a three-year strategic plan for strengthening the industry. The state is already home to the FBI center in Clarksburg, and West Vurgnia University is one of a growing number of educational institutions now offering degrees in the biometric field. Key to any West Virginian biometric future will be I-79, a growing technology center with hopes of of becoming the Silicon Valley of West Virginia.
-read more in Jessica Legge’s Times West Virginia report
