The Governor’s Strategic Partnership for Economic Development (GSPED) was formed in 1992 to lead the way in improving Arizona’s economic competitiveness. A 12-member executive board composed of business, education, and government representatives oversees it. 

GSPED implements Arizona’s plan to encourage concentrations of related firms, or clusters. Five of the clusters that GSPED is working to create are science and technology related, focusing on the biotechnology industry, environmental technology, high technology (including aerospace, defense, and electronics), optics, and software. GSPED is also engaged in promoting technology transfer, and has put together Technology Exchange Missions to federal labs and facilities. Past visits included Sandia National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, and the Army’s Electronic Proving Ground. 

The Arizona Department of Commerce houses the High Technology Office, which was established in 1994. The Office runs a program to help small businesses obtain Small Business Innovation Research grants, and also provides support to two advisory panels: the Arizona Space Commission and the Governor’s Science and Technology Council. Both of these bodies are composed of members from the university, industry, and governmental communities and provide policy direction and advice for improving innovation and industry competitiveness.