ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that state science and technology efforts are becoming more widespread and that states are indeed making long-term, and in some cases substantial, commitments to the promotion of science and technology. State activities to promote science and technology cover a wide range of initiatives from investing in research and development to providing seed capital for new, technology-based firms and business and management assistance for technological entrepreneurs. State activities have been divided into three major categories: investment in education; support for research and development; and commercialization assistance. Technology research centers, which are usually university-based, are vehicles for conducting research in a specific technological area. Many of the grant programs also target key technological areas of importance to the state's economy. Often the research is conducted jointly by a university and a business sponsor with the business providing matching funds. The chapter concludes with a discussion on assessment strategies and future directions of state science and technology policies and programs.
