KRS 154.35-050: Functions of basic research centers and applied research centers --

Advisory committees -- Goal of infrastructure -- Centers to retain or contract

with experts.

(1) The function of the basic research centers shall be to perform basic research of

significant benefit to one (1) or more key industries that have been identified in and

targeted by the state's economic development strategic plan as having major

importance to the sustained economic growth of the Commonwealth. The areas of

research to be performed by each basic research center shall be set forth in the

contract between the council and the contracting university and shall be approved

only for those projects for which the center has a commitment from a private sector

partner to make use of the results of the research.

(2) The functions of the applied research centers shall be:

(a) To perform applied research, development, and technology transfer on a fee

for service basis, to businesses and groups of businesses. For performing this

function the center shall give preference to businesses in key industries and

networks of businesses;

(b) To provide advice to businesses regarding other areas of business operations

necessary for improved performance, including workforce training, total

quality assurance, inventory control, and reorganization of the business and

workplace; and

(c) To perform applied research and technology development of significant

benefit to one (1) or more key industries in areas set forth in the contract

between the council and the contracting university.

(3) The council shall appoint advisory committees of persons knowledgeable in each

key industry to advise the council and the centers with regard to research needs of

the industry and to evaluate research plans and research results.

(4) It shall be the goal of the infrastructure that eighty percent (80%) of the total

revenues of each center shall be generated by payments under contracts from

private businesses.

(5) To perform the functions set out in this section each center s hall retain or contract

with scientists, engineers, and other persons having high levels of expertise in

appropriate fields of research, including but not limited to, faculty, staff and

students of the contracting universities; provided, however, that all contracts with

persons employed by the contracting university shall be subject to approval by the

council.