348.271. Innovation centers to be established to develop new technology-based business duties, reports.

MISSOURI STATUTES AND CODES

348.271. Innovation centers to be established to develop new technology-based business duties, reports.

Innovation centers to be established to develop new technology-basedbusiness duties, reports.

348.271. 1. In order to foster the growth of Missouri's economy and tostimulate the creation of new jobs in technology-based industry for thestate's work force, the Missouri technology corporation, in accordance withthe provisions of this section and within the limits of appropriationstherefor is authorized to contract with Missourinot-for-profit corporations for the operation of innovation centers within thestate. The primary emphasis of some, if not of all innovation centers, shallbe in the areas of technology commercialization, finance and businessmodernization. Innovation centers operated under the provisions of thissection shall provide assistance to individuals and business organizationsduring the early stages of the development of new technology-based businessventures. Such assistance may include the provision of facilities, equipment,administrative and managerial support, planning assistance, and such otherservices and programs that enhance the development of such ventures and suchassistance may be provided for fees or other consideration.

2. The innovation centers operated under this section shall counsel andassist the new technology-based business ventures in finding a suitable sitein the state of Missouri for location of the business upon its graduation fromthe innovation program. Each innovation center shall annually submit a reportof its activities to the department of economic development and the Missouritechnology corporation which shall include, but not be limited to, the successrate of the businesses graduating from the center, the progress and locationsof businesses which have graduated from the center, the types of businesseswhich have graduated from the center, and the number of jobs created by thebusinesses involved in the center.