ENTREPRENEUR-IN-RESIDENCE

(a) In this section, "state agency" means a board, commission, department, office, or other agency in the executive branch of state government created under the constitution or a statute of this state, including an institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code. (b) From available funds, a state agency may hire an entrepreneur-in-residence or contract with an individual, chamber of commerce, or nonprofit entity to: (1) improve outreach by state government to the private sector, including historically underutilized businesses; (2) strengthen coordination and interaction between state government and the private sector; (3) facilitate the understanding and use of technological advances to make state government more transparent and interactive; and (4) implement the best private sector practices to make state government programs simpler, easier to access, more efficient, and more responsive to users. (c) An individual hired or contracted with under this section must be successful in the individual's field.