SCRA celebrated 40 years (1983-2023) with special recognitions that showcase the impact SCRA has had on South Carolina’s innovation economy throughout the past four decades.
2023 was a celebratory year marking forty years of the South Carolina Research Authority fueling innovation in the state. A highlight of celebrating these forty years was CEO, Bob Quinn, sitting down for an interview with SCRA’s founder, former Governor Richard “Dick” Riley who was also the U.S. Department of Education Secretary in the Clinton Administration. The two met in Riley’s office at Nelson Mullins, where he is a senior partner in Greenville. They discussed the original concept of SCRA and how it has become a significant player in South Carolina, helping to build a more robust economy and future. During the discussion, Secretary Riley quipped that if he had told members of the General Assembly in 1983 that if they passed his proposal to create SCRA, it would be supporting over 5,825 jobs with an average salary of $81,000 in one year, they would never have passed the bill out of committee – because they would not have believed him. In other words, the success of SCRA has exceeded all expectations, including those of the secretary. In addition, SCRA’s economic impact provides concrete evidence to corporate leaders and innovators that South Carolina can develop and support an innovative technology economy and workforce.
It all began in the early eighties during Secretary Riley’s second term as governor when it became increasingly evident the state could no longer rely on the textile industry or cotton and tobacco farming for growth. Secondly, it also became clear that future jobs would depend on science, engineering, and technology. Secretary Riley saw that the states with which South Carolina competed for jobs were moving toward science and technology. North Carolina’s Research Triangle was one example of this. Thirdly, Secretary Riley had worked throughout his term to get Clemson University, the Medical University of South Carolina, and the University of South Carolina to work more closely together on economic development and job creation efforts. Then and now, this type of collaboration can be encouraged and facilitated by a statewide ‘authority,’ the South Carolina Research Authority.
A significant part of the original SCRA mission was to develop a research park system near the universities. This was partly driven by the Research Triangle’s success in North Carolina. Secretary Riley also learned about collaboration successes the University of Utah was having with other institutions even though the universities were not located close to each other. Coincidentally, the state owned surplus property in critical areas of South Carolina that was located near the universities and available for research park use. The availability of this real estate was valuable in attracting research-related companies to create jobs. Secretary Riley was able to get the legislation passed with a small one-time appropriation and a commitment that the SCRA would not request general state funds each year. Land for research parks was vital to starting SCRA. Without this real estate, it is doubtful SCRA would have been able to achieve what it has.
SCRA’s early formation was borne out of an intricate legislative process. The original bill was introduced by Speaker of the House Ramon Swartz and Ways and Means Committee Chairperson Tom Mangum and was reported favorably to the House floor. Many business leaders were champions. However, the legislation was opposed by some elements of the textile industry and some of the more conservative House members. The bill was also procedurally tied up on the calendar. Legislators regrouped, made some changes to the bill, and a new bill was introduced as a ‘committee bill’ that helped clear procedural hurdles with help from Speaker Swartz. This bill passed the House, with representatives continually conferring with Senate leadership as they changed the bill in the House. The bill passed the Senate quickly as there was engaged leadership support while it worked its way through the House. In some ways, it was a hard sell. Secretary Riley remembered more skepticism than outright opposition. They were creating something new and unproven. Secretary Riley also said he wishes some of his friends in the Legislature, who fought for and voted on the legislation, were still alive to see the success of their efforts.
The South Carolina Research Authority celebrated 40 years of fueling South Carolina’s innovation economy. Our celebratory 40th Anniversary video showcases our organization’s history, innovative founders, our dedicated team, and our lasting economic impact on the state. Here’s to many more years of growing the state and building a brighter future for all South Carolinians.
SCRA’s First Annual Report from 1983
The original SCRA annual report (pictured above) was published in 1983, after SCRA was chartered by South Carolina State Legislature with a one-time allocation of $500,000 and 1,400 acres of undeveloped land.
Click the link below to read SCRA’s 2022 Annual Report.
The First SCRA Administrative Offices Open
The first SCRA administrative offices were located on Lady Street in Columbia and Mall Drive in Charleston. The first SCRA Research Parks were located in Columbia and Anderson.
One of SCRA’s most recognizable buildings was located on Charleston’s International Drive and opened in 1988 (pictured). SCRA focused on innovation with several collaborators, with the military being the most prominent partner
SC Launch & Innovation Centers Established
In 2005, funded by sources such as contributions to the Industry Partnership Fund, the SC Launch Program and Innovation Centers were created across the state.
SCRA offers state-of-the-art facilities for emerging companies and academic institutions. They provide wet labs, research facilities, and collaboration spaces essential to advance technology as well as to grow and attract life sciences and technology-based companies to South Carolina.
“I can’t say that I was there from the VERY beginning, but I’ve been a participant and observer for half of SCRA’s lifetime. Sometimes there were hurdles and challenges but SCRA stayed on course and always had the best interest of its university partners and the Palmetto State at heart. Thank you and Congrats!”
Harris Pastides, Ph.D., M.P.H., President Emeritus and Former VP for Research and Economic Development at the University of South Carolina, Former SCRA Executive Council Member
“Congratulations to the SCRA on 40 years of accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship in South Carolina! SCRA has been a valued partner for Clemson University through the years, helping to nurture ideas into commercial technologies to benefit society and the economy. I appreciate SCRA’s continued support of Clemson and the academic community as a whole, and its commitment to translational research. Wishing you all the best in the next 40 years and beyond!”
Tanju Karanfil, Vice President for Research, Clemson University
“Whether working on behalf of SCbio or the Greenville Area Development Corp., I always turn to SCRA for assistance in advancing the innovation economy in South Carolina. They’ve been a forward-thinking and innovative partner for many years, and South Carolina is indeed fortunate to have them as an integral part of its economic development team!”
Sam Patrick, Director of Marketing at SCbio, President of Patrick Marketing & Communications, Inc.
“SCRA is a breakthrough enabler. SCRA is a vital constituent for the innovation cycle in South Carolina. It bridges industry, academia in such a unique manner that makes it easier to positively impact the future of our state.”
Ramy Harik, Ph.D., neXt Principal Investigator
Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of South Carolina McNAIR Center