Regional research and development parks; purposes

Regional research and development parks may be developed and operated for any or all of the following purposes: (1) To promote the use of technology in existing businesses and industries and the development of high technology businesses and industries in the region and the state. (2) To increase opportunities for employment in the region and the state, by promoting training in technology for the existing labor force, and assisting in the recruitment of labor, particularly former Louisiana residents, for high technology businesses and industries. (3) To promote research and development in a region of the state and the application of such research and development in the region and throughout the state. (4) To promote, create, develop, and strengthen cooperation between the public and the private sector with respect to research and development, including the development of business incubators and technology transfer. (5) To promote and assist institutions of higher education in the field of research and development. (6) To promote and assist local governments in the region to encourage research and development, to increase opportunities for employment, to advance the use of technology in existing businesses and industries, and to attract high technology businesses and industries to the region. (7) To attract nationally prominent scientists and researchers to the region, the state, and to institutions of higher education in this state. (8) To maximize the research capabilities of the region and the state. (9) To promote the diversification of the economy of the region and the state to include technology and knowledge-based businesses and industries.