Minnesota Science and Technology Authority
Active dates:2010 -2013
Function: The Science and Technology Authority shall:
(1) coordinate public and private efforts to procure federal funding for collaborative research and development projects of primary benefit to small-sized and medium-sized businesses;
(2) promote contractual relationships between Minnesota businesses that are recipients of federal grants and prime contractors, and Minnesota-based subcontractors;
(3) work with Minnesota nonprofit institutions including the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and the Mayo Clinic in promoting collaborative efforts to respond to federal funding opportunities;
(4) develop a framework for Minnesota companies to establish sole-source relationships with federal agencies;
(5) provide grants or other forms of financial assistance to eligible recipients for purposes of this chapter;
(6) coordinate workshops, assistance with business proposals, licensing, intellectual property protection, commercialization, and government auditing with the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; and
(7) develop and implement a comprehensive science and technology economic development strategy for the state.
The authority shall report by February 1 each year to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over finance and economic development on its progress to design, coordinate, and administer a strategic science and technology program for the state to promote the welfare of the people of the state, maximize the economic growth of the state, and create and retain jobs in the state's industrial base through enhancement of Minnesota's:
(1) high-technology research and development capabilities;
(2) product and process innovation and commercialization;
(3) high-technology manufacturing capabilities;
(4) science and technology business environment; and
(5) science and technology workforce preparation.
(b) The report must include a complete operating and financial statement covering the authority's operations during the year, including amounts of income from all sources. Books and records of the authority are subject to audit by the legislative auditor in the manner prescribed for state agencies.
The Authority was originally set to expire June 30, 2018. However, it appears to have been repealed in 2013.
History:
The Minnesota Science and Technology (S&T) Authority was created in July 2010 by the Minnesota legislature and tasked with developing and implementing a comprehensive science and technology economic development strategy (Strategic Plan) for Minnesota. The duties and responsibilities of the former Office of Science and Technology (OST) were transferred into the
S&T Authority and the Director of the OST became the Executive Director of the S&T Authority.
The Commissioner of the Department and Economic Development (DEED) serves as the CEO and Chair of the S&T Authority. As members of the Authority, the Commissioners of Revenue, Management and Budget, Commerce and Agriculture have responsibility for reviewing and approving financing of eligible projects, projects that have been authorized by law, or programs
specifically authorized by resolution of the authority.
An 18-member Advisory Commission was appointed by Governor Pawlenty to serve as the lead in preparing the strategic plan. Many of the previous members from the Advisory Committee who prepared the Recommendations for a Minnesota Science and Technology Initiative Report submitted to Legislature January 15, 2010 were asked to serve on the newly appointed Advisory Commission.
Membership:
The Minnesota Science and Technology Authority consists of the commissioner of employment and economic development, the commissioner of management and budget, the commissioner of revenue, the commissioner of commerce, and the commissioner of agriculture.
Agency heads:
The commissioner of employment and economic development shall serve as the chair and chief executive officer of the authority. The authority shall rotate the position of vice chair annually among its members.
Note: The Legislative Reference Library may have additional reports on or by this group available through our catalog.
Documents/Articles:
News clippings and documents. Agencies Notebook Collection, 2010.
Record last updated:
08/04/2015
All information on this group from the Library’s collection of agency notebooks has been digitized. These
materials are incorporated into the “documents/articles” section of the record. Please contact a librarian with any questions. The Minnesota Agencies database is a work in progress.