Section 9-15-41 - Defense conversion; department duties.
9-15-41. Defense conversion; department duties.
A. The department shall coordinate all defense conversion and technology transfer activities of the state. The department is authorized to contract with the appropriate partnership intermediaries to assist in the coordination of defense conversion duties.
B. The department shall:
(1) oversee the activities of the manufacturing productivity center and manufacturing extension programs;
(2) coordinate the activities of small business incubators to encourage the development and viability of technology spin-off companies in the private sector;
(3) coordinate appropriate divisions in the department to provide technology export assistance;
(4) coordinate small business development and assistance programs for new and existing businesses;
(5) work with appropriate entities to identify sources of funding for capital expenditure programs and initial venture programs;
(6) coordinate the development of regional technology clusters; and
(7) provide support and coordination assistance as deemed necessary by the commission and the secretary of the department to assist the state in developing defense conversion industries.