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LED News

3/25/2009

Louisiana Innovation Council To Enhance Competitiveness of Knowledge-Based Economy

Gov. Bobby Jindal issued an executive order creating the Louisiana Innovation Council, whose mission is to establish a comprehensive economic strategy and innovation agenda that will grow the state's economy as well as enhance competitiveness.

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret said, "The Louisiana Innovation Council will help the state develop and implement targeted policies, programs and investments designed to maximize the potential of our increasingly knowledge-based economy. We will bring together academia, the business community, economic development and workforce leaders, as well as some of Louisiana's leading entrepreneurs to cultivate and foster Louisiana's innovation ecosystem. This is a significant step toward identifying and cultivating new growth industries, strengthening our traditional industries, diversifying our economy and enhancing Louisiana's economic competitiveness."

Barry Erwin, president of Council for A Better Louisiana said, "We are excited about the governor's executive order to create an Innovation Council for Louisiana. Louisiana must continue to move forward to modernize its economy and create more knowledge-based jobs for our state. We believe this council will give us the mechanism to develop a forward-looking innovation strategy for Louisiana and grow the types of jobs that will enhance our economic competitiveness, diversify our economy and better position us for the future."

Michael Hecht, president and CEO, Greater New Orleans, Inc. said, "The unique cultural assets of our state combined with economic factors in our favor, like the lower cost of living, make Louisiana a very attractive destination for entrepreneurs. There is a unique opportunity here to reshape our state, where human capital becomes the essential element and innovation is celebrated. The result will be a more successful Louisiana."

Adam Knapp, CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber said, "Innovation is the key to our competitiveness. Our region's long term growth is tied to our ability to nurture and attract innovation and high growth, entrepreneurial companies.  The Governor's vision in creating this Council is critical to the Baton Rouge area as well as the entire state."

EXECUTIVE ORDER ON LOUISIANA INNOVATION COUNCIL

WHEREAS,               amidst increasing economic competition from other states and countries, Louisiana must aggressively pursue and    
leverage innovation as a means to grow and diversify its economy;

WHEREAS,              given the broad scope and interdependence of innovation-related activities such as targeted research investments, commercialization efforts, entrepreneurship services, risk capital development, and the development of new, high-growth industry segments, sustained and coordinated statewide leadership across various sectors is needed to strategically advance a Louisiana innovation agenda; and

WHEREAS,              to address this challenge, the Louisiana Innovation Council is needed to shape the innovation agenda and coordinate related efforts as an important part of a broader, comprehensive economic development strategy;

NOW THEREFORE, I, BOBBY JINDAL, Governor of the State of Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct as follows:

SECTION 1:            

The Louisiana Innovation Council (hereafter Council) is hereby established.  Its mission is to shape an innovation-based vision for Louisiana and coordinate activities in the statewide innovation agenda.

SECTION 2:            

The duties of the Council shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Recognize and communicate economic diversification and innovation efforts as key state economic development priorities.
  2. Shape the Louisiana innovation agenda, including strategic objectives, activities, and investment opportunities related to targeted research investments, commercialization efforts, entrepreneurship services, risk capital development, and the development of new, high-growth industry segments.
  3. Assist in the development of a workforce pipeline that supports innovation, including efforts to cultivate talent in Louisiana's pre-kindergarten - 12th grade education systems, community and technical colleges, universities, and other relevant workforce development programs.
  4. Assist in the coordination of related policies, programs, and investments, including those already in place (e.g., angel investor tax credits, state venture capital investments).
  5. Develop prioritized recommendations on an annual basis to address part or all of the Louisiana innovation agenda.

SECTION 3:

The Council shall be composed of twenty-two (22) members, as follows:

  1.  The governor or the governor's designee;
  2.  The secretary of Economic Development;
  3.  The commissioner of Higher Education;
  4.  The executive director of the Louisiana Workforce Commission;
  5.  The president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College;
  6.  The state superintendent of Education;
  7.  One (1) state senator, appointed by the governor;
  8.  One (1) state representative, appointed by the governor;
  9.  One (1) entrepreneur from each economic region of the state (8 total), appointed by the governor;
  10.   Four (4) statewide representatives, appointed by the governor;
  11.   The CEO of the Council for A Better Louisiana, or designee; and
  12.   The Chair of the Committee of 100, or designee.

SECTION 4:             

  1. Council members shall not receive compensation or a per diem for serving on the Commission.
  2. Council members who are employees or elected public officials of the state of Louisiana or a political subdivision thereof may seek reimbursement of travel expenses from their agency or department, in accordance with PPM 49.

SECTION 5:             

The governor shall appoint the chair and vice-chair of the Council from its membership.  All other officers, if any, shall be elected by the Council from its membership.

SECTION 6:             

The Council shall meet at regularly scheduled quarterly meetings, and at the call of the chair.

SECTION 7:             

Support staff, facilities, and resources for the Council shall be provided by the participating agencies.

SECTION 8:             

All departments, commissions, boards, offices, entities, agencies, and officers of the State of Louisiana, or any political subdivision thereof, are authorized and directed to cooperate with the Council in implementing the provisions of this Order.

SECTION 9:             

This Order is effective upon signature and shall continue in effect until amended,  modified, terminated, or rescinded by the governor, or terminated by operation of law.