SSTI Digest

Texas' Science and Technology Council recently released a science and technology strategic plan. The Council's vision is to make Texas the nation's leader in science and technology in the 21st century. The plan's premise is that technology is the economic force driving much of the state's current wealth and job creation. The report develops a series of recommendations with the intent of developing the research capacity and human resources Texas will need to ensure economic prosperity in the next century.

Last month, Governor George W. Bush issued an Executive Order that created the Texas Science and Technology Council. The mission of the 21 member board is to "research, develop, and report to the Governor the means available to the State of Texas to become the national leader in science and technology cooperation, development, and research."

Among other activities the Council will: 1) review and recommend policies to increase the amount of research conducted by state colleges, state universities and the private sector; 2) propose state policies and actions that promote technology development and transfer in Texas; 3) analyze and propose state policies that encourage availability and accessibility of venture capital and commercial lending; 4) study and make recommendations on any issues that relate to improving the state's competitive position in science, R&D, and advanced technology development.