Utah Administrative Code Topic - Science Technology and Research Governing Authority (Utah)
In the Utah Administrative Code, the topic of "Science Technology and Research Governing Authority" falls under Title R856 - Science Technology and Research Governing Authority (Utah), Administration. This title contains the regulations for the Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) initiative.
Important Note: It's crucial to be aware that while Title R856 exists, the USTAR initiative underwent significant changes, including a legislative decision in 2019 to dissolve its governing board and terminate its grant programs, with some functions being transferred. Therefore, while the rules might still be listed in the code, their practical application may be significantly altered or entirely defunct depending on the specific program or function.
However, examining the rules still gives us insight into what USTAR was designed to do and how it operated:
Purpose and Goals of USTAR (as reflected in the rules):
USTAR was established as a state-funded technology-based economic development agency. Its primary goals were to:
Strengthen Utah's "knowledge economy": By fostering innovation, research, and the commercialization of technology.
Generate high-paying jobs: Through the creation and growth of technology-based companies.
Expand the state's tax base: By stimulating economic activity.
Diversify the state's tech economy: By supporting "deep technology" startups that are research and development-intensive.
Increase private follow-on investment: By providing initial capital to de-risk technologies and make them more attractive to private investors.
Types of Rules Found Under R856 (and what they typically covered):
The rules generally focused on the administration of competitive grant programs and entrepreneur support services:
R856-1 - USTAR Technology Acceleration Program (TAP) Grants:
Purpose and Goals: Providing grants to emerging private-sector technology companies in seed and early stages to accelerate technology development.
Eligibility Criteria: Detailed requirements for companies (Utah-based, fewer than 50 employees, revenue/capital limits, developing technology in targeted industry sectors).
Application Process: Guidelines for submitting applications.
Evaluation Criteria: How applications were judged (e.g., market potential, team, technology readiness level (TRL)).
Grant Amount and Award: How funding was determined and contracts issued.
Reporting Requirements: What recipients needed to report on progress and impact.
R856-5 - Utah Science, Technology, and Research (USTAR) Energy Research Triangle Professors (ERT-P) Grant:
Purpose and Goals: Collaborative grants for research teams from at least three Utah non-profit higher education institutions (including research universities like the University of Utah, Utah State University, and Brigham Young University) to address energy-related technical challenges.
Eligibility Criteria: Specific requirements for research teams and participating institutions.
Application and Review Procedures: Similar to TAP, but tailored for university research.
Reporting: Tracking progress and outcomes.
R856-6 - Utah Science, Technology and Research (USTAR) Energy Research Triangle Scholars (ERT-S) Grant:
Likely similar to the ERT-P grant but possibly focused on individual scholars or smaller research groups.
Key USTAR Initiatives (prior to its restructuring):
Beyond the specific grant programs, USTAR also focused on:
Recruiting Top Researchers: Attracting leading scientists and engineers to Utah's research universities (University of Utah and Utah State University).
Building Research Facilities: Investing in state-of-the-art interdisciplinary research and development facilities (e.g., nanotechnologies, bio-innovations).
Entrepreneur Support Services: Providing incubation services, regional offices, and assistance with federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant applications (e.g., USTAR SBIR Center).
Industry Partnerships: Facilitating collaborations between private companies and universities for R&D.
Current Status and Implications:
As of a 2019 legislative decision, USTAR's governing board was dissolved, and its grant programs were terminated. Some assets and functions were transferred to other entities, such as the Military Installation Development Authority for certain facilities. This means that while Title R856 might still be in the Utah Administrative Code, its practical relevance for active programs administered by USTAR is minimal.
For current state efforts in science, technology, and economic development, you would need to look at other state agencies and legislative initiatives that have taken over or redefined these roles since USTAR's restructuring.
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