17
May
2002
The new state budget is expected to create several new research and technology programs.
One budget bill (S.6259-B/A.9761-B) includes provisions that would:
- Enact
Gen*NY*sis, the Senate Majority's initiative designed
to foster collaborative high-tech research and development
in biotechnology among academic, university, and industry
research labs. The program would be administered by the
New York State Office of Science, Technology, and Academic
Research (NYSTAR) and would be subject to annual appropriations
by the Legislature.
The bill does not include provisions for "Gen*NY*sis zones," which were part of the original Senate proposal. These zones would have offered biotechnology-oriented employers economic-development benefits similar to those available to all employers in New York's Empire Zones.
- Create
College Applied Research and Development (CART), under
which NYSTAR would identify areas in which technology
offers significant potential for economic growth and areas
in which technology could enhance the productivity and
stability of New York state businesses.
CART funding could be provided for equipment purchases, faculty support, and graduate fellowships, but not capital construction. Matching support from private sources and other government agencies would be required. Funding proposals would be peer-reviewed.
- Creates
a Center of Excellence program to foster research and
development collaboration between universities and businesses.
The goals would include: developing and commercializing
new products and technologies; promoting critical private-sector
investment in emerging high-tech fields; and creating
and expanding technology-related businesses and employment.
- Creates
the James Watson Science Investigator Program to recognize
and support scientists who, early in their careers, show
potential for leadership in life sciences and an entrepreneurial
bent.
- Creates a new capital program called RESTORE New York. (RESTORE is an acronym for Rebuilding the Empire State Through Opportunities in Regional Economies.) This program would provide financing for a variety of initiatives, including high-tech or biotech projects that meet prescribed criteria. Project financing could not exceed 75 percent of total project cost.