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"Signs Executive Order to Pave Way For R&amp;D Of \u201CSelf-Driving\u201D Technology In AZPHOENIX \u2013 Governor Doug Ducey today joined Uber executives and University of Arizona President Ann Weaver Hart at the College of Optical Sciences to celebrate a major economic development partnership between Uber and the UA.As part of the partnership \u2013 which focuses on research and development in the optics space for mapping and safety \u2013 the university will become home to Uber\u2019s state-of-the-art mapping test vehicles. Additionally, Uber will donate $25,000 to the College of Optical Sciences to help the next generation of scientists, engineers and researchers continue to explore and develop new, innovative technology.\u201CThis is a great day for Uber, for the UA and for the future of innovation in Arizona,\u201D said Governor Ducey. \u201COur administration has been keenly focused on helping 21st-century companies like Uber grow their footprint and succeed in our state, and today\u2019s announcement is the latest signal that it\u2019s working. All Arizonans stand to benefit from embracing new technologies \u2013 especially when it means new jobs, new economic development, new research opportunities and increased public safety and transportation options for our state. That\u2019s what this partnership is about, and I thank Uber and the University of Arizona for their efforts and commitment to making it happen.\u201D\u201CIt\u2019s clear that Arizona welcomes innovation, and we applaud Governor Ducey and the University of Arizona for their eagerness to embrace new technology,\u201D said Brian McClendon, vice president of advanced technologies for Uber. \u201COver the last twenty years, technology has helped democratize access to so many services \u2013 working in partnership with forward-thinking universities and elected officials across the United States. We\u2019re still in the early days of what\u2019s possible \u2013 and I look forward to working with Arizona to make the next step of that journey a reality.\u201D\u201CThis is an exciting new partnership, and I am glad that the UA's global research leadership allows us to join in a collaborative effort that will have great benefit for this state,\u201D said University of Arizona President Ann Weaver Hart. \u201CRanked as top-20 public research university by the National Science Foundation, the UA\u2019s role in Arizona\u2019s innovation and knowledge economy is absolutely vital. Our achievements in advanced optics and imaging technologies in particular will help Uber on the ground in Arizona. I\u2019m impressed with Uber\u2019s vision and commitment to this partnership, and grateful for Governor Ducey\u2019s support and leadership in helping to facilitate it. In conjunction with today\u2019s announcement \u2013 and in keeping with his commitment to support innovation and help business \u2013 Governor Ducey today also signed an Executive Order supporting the testing and operation of self-driving vehicles in Arizona.###"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2015/08/governor-doug-ducey-announces-new-partnership-uber-university-arizona>