§ 12-302

The General Assembly finds that:

(1) Fundamental research is the building block of a knowledge–based economy;

(2) Federal research grants that support fundamental research are transitioning from single–discipline grants to multidiscipline grants that span academic programs;

(3) A successful knowledge–based economy also depends on the transition of innovative research projects developed in research labs to companies in the private sector for commercialization; and

(4) The State must enhance its research and technology transfer programs to continue developing a strong knowledge–based economy.