(a) It is essential to the state’s economic growth that the state exploit the potential of technology to advance the development and growth of technology and that industry be promoted and expanded. The advanced technology program is established as a means to accomplish this purpose.
(b) Providing appropriated funds to faculty members of institutions of higher education and private or independent institutions of higher education to conduct applied research is important to the state’s welfare and, consequently, is an important public purpose for the expenditure of public funds because the applied research will enhance the state’s economic growth by:
(1) educating the state’s scientists and engineers;
(2) creating new products and production processes; and
(3) contributing to the application of science and technology to state businesses.