Order Establishing the Maine Science and Technology Advisory Board

May 14, 2003

14 FY 02/03

WHEREAS, Maine government, in collaboration with its higher educational and nonprofit research institutions and the business community, is implementing a knowledge-based research and development strategy to transform Maine’s economy; and

WHEREAS, Maine’s economic future and the ability of Maine’s business community to compete depends on the State’s ability to innovate and generate new knowledge that leads to valuable new products, services, and processes; and

WHEREAS, Maine must accelerate its efforts, both with public and private investment, to generate the critical mass of talent, capital, and innovation necessary to distinguish itself as a national leader; and

WHEREAS, increasingly complex research requires a depth and breadth of human and technological resources that only can be attained by Maine’s higher educational and research institutions and business community working in concert, in bold and creative ways:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN E. BALDACCI, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby order the Establishment of the MAINE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY BOARD (hereinafter “Board”).

Purpose and Duties

The purpose of the Board is to coordinate the State’s research and development (R&D) activities and to foster collaboration among its higher educational and nonprofit research institutions and the business community. The Board’s duties are multifaceted and include, without limitation:

 Assisting State and federal policymakers advance R&D capacity initiatives in Maine and developing corresponding funding strategies;  Providing input on economic planning and the commercial application of the State’s R&D efforts;  Facilitating research opportunities that create sustained, inter-institutional, multidisciplinary centers-based research projects;  Advocating for the State’s R&D sector and interests;  Disseminating information about the Board’s work throughout the State to interested parties and the general public;  Interacting with the State Science Director (Director) and assisting the Director in performing his or her duties, which will include the preparation of a biannual report to the Governor that, among other things, will detail strategies and initiatives for the advancement of scientific and technological development in the State of Maine;  Serving as the EPSCoR Committee for the State of Maine, which duties will include evaluating proposals made pursuant to the EPSCoR and related Programs.

Organization of the Board

The Board will consist of no fewer than seven (7), and no more than twenty-five (25) members, who will be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the Governor. The members of the Board will be high-level representatives from a variety of interests and perspectives of the State’s business community (including the State’s seven targeted technologies), government, and academic and non-profit institutions. From the twenty-five members, the Governor will appoint a Chair, who will preside at, set the agenda for, and schedule Board meetings.

The Board will have a seven (7) person Executive Committee composed of persons serving on the Board. The members of the Executive Committee will be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor, and will be comprised of the following individuals:

  1. The Chancellor of the University of Maine System;
  2. A representative from the field of biomedicine;
  3. A representative from the field of biotechnology;
  4. A representative from the marine industry;
  5. The Director of the Maine Technology Institute;
  6. An at-large representative from another science discipline; and
  7. The Chair of the Board.

The Chair of the Board also will Chair the Executive Committee and will preside at, set the agenda for, and schedule meetings of the Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee will steer the Board in its overall mission and will provide critical guidance and support to the Director in the effort to further scientific and technological R&D in the State of Maine.

Subject to the review and approval of the Office of the Governor, the Board may create bylaws that detail the administration, function, and governance of the Board and that address the resolution of conflicts of interests that may arise.

Meetings of the Board will occur at least twice a year, as called by the Chair. Meetings of the Executive Committee will occur at least on a quarterly basis, as called by the Chair.

All members of the Board will serve without compensation.

Effective Date

This effective date of this Executive Order is 14 May 2003.

John E. Baldacci, Governor