OAR 715-013-0064: Signature Research Center Funds

(1) Definitions (a) The “Higher Education Coordinating Commission” or “HECC” is the body established by ORS 351.715 and appointed by the Governor. (b) “Oregon Growth Business’ is defined in ORS 284.701(3) as an individual, group of individuals or private sector business entity, including but not limited to a partnership, limited liability company, corporation, firm, association or other business entity, that engages in business that furthers innovation-based economic development, that has the capacity, upon obtaining appropriate capital, to generate significant high-skill, high-wage employment in Oregon and that conducts business in Oregon or an emerging growth business consisting of an individual or group of individuals or a new or small company, including but not limited to any new or small partnership, limited liability company, corporation, firm, association or other business entity, that has the capacity, upon obtaining appropriate capital, to generate significant high-skill, high-wage employment. (c) “Public Entity” is defined in ORS 284.701(4) as any agency of the federal or state government, county, city, town, public corporation or political subdivision in this state. (d) A “Public University” is any institution as defined in ORS 352.002, including; Eastern Oregon University (EOU), Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT), Oregon State University (OSU), Portland State University (PSU), Southern Oregon University (SOU), University of Oregon (UO) and Western Oregon University (WOU). (e) “Research Institution” is defined in ORS 284.701(5) to include Community Colleges, Public Universities, Oregon Health and Science University, Oregon-based generally accredited non-for-profit private institutions of higher education, federal research laboratories conducting research in Oregon, private not-profit research institutions located in Oregon, institutions for higher education as defined in ORS 289.005 or private institutions of higher education located in Oregon. (f) “Signature Research Centers” are those authorized under ORS 284.740 to maximize collaborative ventures between Research Institutions, Public Entities and Oregon Growth Industries. Signature Research Center funds are designated by the Legislature. (2) This rule allocates Signature Research Center funds to Public Universities. (3) Allocations in the first year of any biennium shall be 49% of the total appropriated. The remainder shall be allocated in the second year of the biennium. (4) Signature Research Center funds are to be spent on expenses related to collaborative ventures among Research Institutions, Public Entities and Oregon Growth Businesses that seek to capitalize on opportunities to obtain private and federal funding for the research and development of innovation-based economic development. (5) The University of Oregon and Oregon State University shall each receive 47.5% of all appropriated funds each biennium and Portland State University shall receive 5% of all appropriated funds. (6) The HECC will give deference to any legislative designation of specific resources or policy decisions when making determinations on allocation of funds.