The purpose of the institute must be to conduct and supervise research in the field of transportation and logistics in order to facilitate acquisition of a wider knowledge and understanding of marketing factors associated with the geographical location of the state of North Dakota and the upper great plains in the field of transportation and their influence on the socioeconomic systems of the state, region, and country. Research areas must include the study of commodity and other freight movements into and out of the state in order to better know and understand the various factors affecting the marketing of area products and services. The institute shall make public its findings and conclusions in regard thereto together with any suggested solutions. In the administration of its duties under this chapter, the institute shall consult and coordinate with various governmental and nongovernmental agencies, shipper and     producer groups, and carriers, in this state and in other states, interested in the field of transportation.