Arkansas Code Title 15. Natural Resources and Economic Development § 15-3-201. Legislative intent

A national ranking of Arkansas's research performance in comparison with other states places our state forty-ninth. In order to be competitive in our economic and educational endeavors, it is critical that our research capabilities be upgraded. To be competitive will require a commitment on behalf of the state that is specifically targeted to improving our ranking among the states in the areas of science and engineering graduates, university research and development, federal research and development, and small business innovation research grants. The commitment necessary to improve our ranking is to be found in investing in research and research infrastructure.