GRA's Integration with Centers of Innovation Focuses on Recruitment

To more closely align Georgia's efforts to market and promote strategic industries to existing and potential companies, Georgia's Centers of Innovation (COI) program will be integrated with the programs of the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA). The move follows the legislature's decision to transfer funding for GRA's strategic economic development initiatives from the Board of Regents' Research Consortium program to the Department of Economic Development Innovation and Technology Division.

The goal for integrating the programs is twofold: to develop strategies and tactics to maximize the potential for high-tech companies generated from university R&D to thrive in the state; and, to leverage the resources of Georgia's research universities to retain and recruit companies in industries considered crucial to the state's growth. The COI's provide technology-oriented support to businesses and startups in the areas of aerospace, agribusiness, energy, life sciences, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.

GRA is slated to receive $7.5 million in FY12, which includes $3 million in bond funding to purchase equipment and fund R&D infrastructure. This is a decrease from the $16.7 million revised FY11 budget.

Lawmakers also passed a resolution during the session creating the Science and Technology Strategic Initiative Joint Study Commission to determine how best to encourage and facilitate the growth and development of the science and technology sector in the state. Last month, Gov. Nathan Deal launched the Georgia Competitiveness Initiative to focus on a larger statewide economic development strategy. The group will convene regional meetings and make recommendations on improving infrastructure, innovation, education and workforce development, a friendly business climate, global commerce, and government efficiency. A plan is expected by fall.

The FY12 appropriations bill is HB 78 and is available at: http://www.legis.ga.gov.