It shall be the duty of the Georgia Tech Research Institute to: (1) Conduct original research; to perform and verify experiments; to make investigations in any and all branches of engineering, manufacturing, and the industries and the sciences related thereto; and to compile data relating to such research for their promotion in the interests of the people; (2) Formulate and implement a program of research which will seek to enhance the economic and industrial development of this state through the search for new or improved products, devices, and processes; through the development of new uses for Georgia’s existing and potential resources; through the pursuit of scientific knowledge and learning and the dissemination thereof; through the search for new economic opportunities; and through technical assistance to the existing and future industrial community; (3) Render assistance to national programs of science, technology, and preparedness; and (4) Conduct such other research, experiments, and investigations bearing upon the industries, occupations, and public welfare of the people as may in each case be deemed advisable, practicable, and within the resources of the research institute. (Ga. L. 1919, p. 367, § 2; Code 1933, § 32-302, enacted by Ga. L. 1960, p. 1131, § 2; Ga. L. 1984, p. 1675, § 2; Ga. L. 1985, p. 149, § 20.) 20-11-3. Center for industrial development; industrial extension service field offices or substations. A center for industrial development shall be created in connection with the Georgia Tech Research Institute for the purpose of meeting more effectively the needs of business and industry and of local groups engaged in economic development and furthering and strengthening of the research institute’s present program, including the establishment of such additional research and related services as may be necessary to make possible the more effective development of the state’s industrial resources and potentials. To utilize effectively the talents of the 443 20-11-6 research institute’s staff of scientists, engineers, and technicians on the needs of local development groups and of business and industry, the research institute’s present program shall be extended as rapidly as its financial condition will permit to provide a state-wide industrial extension service through the establishment of field offices or substations. The location of each field office or substation shall be determined by the director of the Georgia Tech Research Institute, who shall choose each location on the basis of its advantages to the research institute’s overall program and the further development of the state’s resources. In addition to being responsible for providing technical advice and assistance to local development groups and to established business and industry, each field office or substation shall have as its further purpose the collection of data on local resources and the evaluation of existing and potential industrial opportunities. (Code 1933, § 32-302, enacted by Ga. L. 1960, p. 1131, § 3; Ga. L. 1984, p. 1675, § 2; Ga. L. 1985, p. 149, § 20.) 20-11-4. Bulletins.