§12–302.

    The General Assembly finds that:

        (1)    Fundamental research is the building block of a knowledge–based economy;

        (2)    Federal research grants that support fundamental research are transitioning from single–discipline grants to multidiscipline grants that span academic programs;

        (3)    A successful knowledge–based economy also depends on the transition of innovative research projects developed in research labs to companies in the private sector for commercialization; and

        (4)    The State must enhance its research and technology transfer programs to continue developing a strong knowledge–based economy.