Sec. M-5. 5 MRSA c. 383, sub-c. 1-A, as amended, is repealed.

Sec. M-6. 5 MRSA §13062, first ¶, as enacted by PL 1987, c. 534, Pt. A, §§17 and 19, is amended to read:

The Deputy Commissioner for Business Development shall be the Director of the Office of Business Development and shall administer the office in accordance with the policies of the commissioner and the provisions of this chapter, emphasizing a program of targeted business development designed to attract particular types of businesses which that have potential for Maine and businesses which that are deemed considered to be compatible with Maine's environment and interests. The office shall actively seek and encourage firms to expand or locate in Maine. The office shall be is responsible for the implementation of programs designed to promote Maine products in national and international markets and to develop markets for industry located in Maine.

Sec. M-7. 5 MRSA §13071-A, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 181, §1, is repealed.

Sec. M-8. 5 MRSA c. 383, sub-c. 5-B is enacted to read:

SUBCHAPTER__5-B

OFFICE OF INNOVATION

Article 1

OFFICE OF INNOVATION

§13105.__Office of Innovation

1. Office established.__The commissioner shall establish the Office of Innovation, referred to in this subchapter as "the office." The office shall encourage and coordinate the State's research and development activities to foster collaboration among the State's higher education and nonprofit research institutions and the business community.

2. Office functions.__The office shall promote, evaluate and support research and development relevant to the State including: