History & Basis

In 1963, the North Carolina General Assembly established the North Carolina Board of Science and Technology to encourage, promote, and support scientific, engineering, and industrial research applications in North Carolina.

To meet these goals, the Board works to investigate new areas of emerging science and technology and conducts studies on the competitiveness of state industry and research institutions in these fields. The Board also works with the General Assembly and the Governor to put into place the infrastructure that keeps North Carolina on the cutting edge of science and technology.

In the earlier days of industrial recruiting, Governor Terry Sanford relied on the board to assist him in persuading firms to locate in North Carolina, particularly if they needed professionally trained people and scientific and engineering support.

Later, as North Carolina's Department of Commerce became more proficient in industrial recruiting, the board, under Governor Jim Hunt, began to concentrate on strengthening North Carolina's research and education base in fields important to our economic growth and in which our state was in the second or third tier.

Under current Governor Mike Easley, the Board continues these efforts and others to ensure that science and technology play an important role in promoting the economic growth and development of the State. The goal is to achieve Governor Easley's vision of One North Carolina, where every citizen has an opportunity for a high quality of life, including a good job and a good education, regardless of where they live - rural or urban, east or west, north or south.

Legislative Basis

According to NC General Statute 143B-472.81, the NC Board of Science and Technology consists of:

• The Governor
• The Secretary of Commerce
• One member from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• One member from North Carolina State University
• Two members from other components of the University of North Carolina
• One member from Duke University
• One member from a private college or university other than Duke
• One member from the Research Triangle Institute
• One member from the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina
• One member from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center
• Four members from private industry in North Carolina
• Two members from public agencies in North Carolina
• Two members appointed by the General Assembly

Powers & Duties...

(NC General Statute 143B-472.80)

To identify, and to support and foster the identification of, important research needs of both public and private agencies, institutions and organizations in North Carolina that relate to the State's economic growth and development;

To make recommendations concerning policies, procedures, organizational structures and financial requirements that will promote effective use of scientific and technological resources in fulfilling the research needs identified and that will promote the economic growth and development of North Carolina;

To allocate funds available to the board to support research projects, to purchase research equipment and supplies, to construct or modify research facilities, to employ consultants, and for other purposes necessary or appropriate in discharging the duties of the board;

To advise and make recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Economic Development Board on the role of science and technology in the economic growth and development of North Carolina.