University-Based Research Initiatives Face Severe Reductions in Georgia Budget

Funding for university-based research initiatives would be cut significantly under Gov. Nathan Deal's proposed FY12 budget as the governor aims to close a projected deficit of nearly $1 billion. The Georgia Research Alliance (GRA), a nationally recognized model for creating and sustaining tech-based economies, would receive $4.5 million in FY12, a 75 percent reduction from the current year. The governor's budget also would transfer GRA funds to the Department of Economic Development, a move that would align TBED with the state's more traditional economic development efforts.

GRA's research and technology commercialization programs, which often are replicated by other states and regions, would be severely impacted if the governor's budget is adopted in its current form. Funding for GRA's Eminent Scholars, which is used to match university funds for recruiting world-class researchers to the state, would be eliminated.

The budget also reduces funding for the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC)/Economic Development Institute by $650,745 and recommends changing the name to Enterprise Innovation Institute. With three locations across Georgia Tech campuses, ATDC helps accelerate startup companies through a suite of educational and mentoring services. The governor recommends $17.95 million for the program in FY12.

The University System of Georgia would see its funding cut by almost 10 percent total - about $300 million - for this fiscal year and next under the proposed budget, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Gov. Deal also unveiled his capital budget recommendations, which includes $15 million in bonds for science, technology, engineering and mathematics charter schools.

The FY12 executive budget is available at: http://opb.georgia.gov/vgn/images/portal/cit_1210/55/14/167205162State%20of%20Georgia%20Budget%20FY2012.pdf