The SCRA (authority) is organized to enhance the research capabilities of the state's public and private universities, to establish a continuing forum to foster greater dialogue throughout the research community within the State, and to promote the development of high technology industries and research facilities in South Carolina. The SCRA shall contain at least two divisions: the South Carolina Research Division (SCRD) and the South Carolina Research Innovation Centers (SCRIC). The SCRD shall perform those duties as outlined in this chapter that relate to the core mission of the SCRA. The SCRIC shall perform those duties as outlined in this chapter that establish innovation centers in South Carolina. The objectives of the authority include but are not limited by the following to:
(1) advance the general welfare of the people;
(2) increase the opportunities for employment of citizens of South Carolina;
(3) develop the human, economic, and productive resources of South Carolina;
(4) promote and encourage expansion of the research and development sector, with emphasis on capital formation and investments in research and development within South Carolina;
(5) create and maintain a dialogue between the public and private research communities;
(6) enhance the potential for private support for South Carolina colleges and universities, to promote cooperative research efforts between the private sector and South Carolina universities and colleges, and to strengthen the partnership among state government, higher education, and business and industry;
(7) assist South Carolina colleges and universities in attracting nationally prominent academic researchers and professors and to serve as an initial linkage between the state's outstanding existing research and the business and industrial sector;
(8) maximize the research capabilities of the public and private universities and colleges in South Carolina; and
(9) foster the perception of South Carolina as an international leader in the idea generation and the development, testing, and implementation of new advances in science and technology.
HISTORY: 1983 Act No. 50 Section 2, eff April 29, 1983; 2005 Act No. 133, Section 1, eff June 7, 2005.
LAW REVIEW AND JOURNAL COMMENTARIES
Industrial development is a public purpose. 39 S.C. L. Rev. 161, Autumn 1987.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 13 - Planning, Research and Development
Chapter 17 - South Carolina Research Authority
Section 13-17-10. Establishment of South Carolina Research Authority.
Section 13-17-20. South Carolina Research Authority; divisions; objectives.
Section 13-17-40. Members of board; terms; vacancies; compensation; annual reports; meetings.
Section 13-17-50, 13-17-60. Reserved.
Section 13-17-70. Powers of board of trustees.
Section 13-17-80. Board of trustees to exercise power of authority; exceptions; quorum.
Section 13-17-81. "Research park" defined.
Section 13-17-85. Confidentiality.
Section 13-17-88. Target programs of excellence; Industry Partnership Fund.
Section 13-17-89. Prohibition on pledging credit of State.
Section 13-17-90. Exemption from taxation.
Section 13-17-100. State not obligated, liable, or responsible.
Section 13-17-130. Assistance to public and private universities.
Section 13-17-140. Identification of common interest areas; promotion of universities.
Section 13-17-150. Establishment of statewide professional research organization.
Section 13-17-160. Restrictions on authority.
Section 13-17-170. Exemption of authority and its employees from certain Code provisions.
Section 13-17-180. Not-for-profit corporations; powers and limitations; annual audit.