Establish an Annual Governor's Challenge encouraging Virginia colleges and universities, public and private, to submit solutions to a specific area of need that would benefit the Commonwealth.

The Governor publishes a brief and a problem statement on a single topic. The challenge is made available to colleges and university students, faculty, research groups, to examine the issue, gather information, and submit a solution to the Challenge. The two or three (or more) submissions are discussed at a public forum and a winner or combined solution is chosen. The winning submission is based on degree to which the problem is resolved, positive impact on the Commonwealth and its citizens, other general criteria. The winning school is awarded a small grant from Virginia to do with as they choose, and the key representatives of the submission are suitably recognized with a ceremony, plaque, press release, etc. Anticipated benefits include: increased awareness of needs, proposed novel actionable solutions, further research, academic advancement, fiscal and other savings to Virginia and her citizens.

Topics suggested:

State Health Cost Reductions, Ongoing Oversight, Citizen Options as Pool Members - Addressing root causes

Energy Independence and Planning

Supporting Industrial, Agricultural, and Technology growth

Other topics gleaned from this site and elsewhere