Report: Put space research center in HR

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - A Virginia Commonwealth University report recommends developing a space research center in Hampton Roads.

The report focused on Virginia's competitiveness in the space industry.

Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell highlighted the report Wednesday during a space transportation conference in Washington.

The report says a research center should involve an incubator program to link university students with industry and to facilitate entrepreneurship. It suggests Hampton Roads as a location because it says it should be near the highest concentration of intellectual capital in the state and near important space businesses.

The report says the eSpace Center for Space Entrepreneurship in Boulder, Colo., is a proven model.

McDonnell spokesman Jeff Caldwell says the governor's office will review the report's recommendations and engage the public in a dialogue over the next year.