Science and Innovation Strategic Plan

The 2021-2026 Governor’s Strategic plan is available for download by clicking the link below.

Research and development activity related to aerospace has been underway for decades in the state, and in the most recent decade for unmanned systems.

Oklahoma’s legacy of aviation leadership includes aviation pioneers like Clyde Cessna and Wiley Post, and it was leadership from Oklahoma U.S. Senator Mike Monroney that led to the creation of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the 1950's.

Today, Oklahoma is home to the FAA’s Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, one of the largest FAA organizations and sites outside of Washington D.C. The state is also home to Tinker Air Force Base and the Sustainment Headquarters of the United States Air Force. The State is also home to many large and small aviation, aerospace, and cyber-related companies.

Aviation is now – and has always been – an important part of the Oklahoma economy. Leveraging this with Oklahoma’s leadership in weather and atmospheric research at the National Weather Center in Norman, OK provides much-needed weather information and data to enable research and public safety to support this technology/industry area.

The State of Oklahoma has research and development strengths, and most importantly – the vision and leadership to emerge as a leading region for growth in the autonomous systems and aerospace industry.

As in aerospace, Oklahoma has had significant biotechnology research and development activity underway for decades. Home to the University of Oklahoma with a comprehensive health system and NCI Cancer Center, Oklahoma State University with human and animal schools of medicine and a focus on a One Health approach (human, animal, agriculture), numerous other Universities/Colleges with life science curriculum, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI), and many biotech and life science related companies, provide Oklahoma with a firm foundation for growth in this sector.

Additionally, like the establishment of the National Weather Center, Oklahoma has recently announced the opening of the Oklahoma Pandemic Center for Innovation and Excellence (OPCIE). This center is the first of its kind in the US for public health response and education for human, animal, and environmental pathogens and looks to establish public and private partnerships across all areas of biotechnology to address its mission.

Oklahoma is poised to emerge as a leading state for the biotechnology industry.

Oklahoma has a long and rich history as a leader in oil and gas research and exploration. The State continues to lead the way in these areas.

As the need for energy consumption and the environmental concerns around it continue to grow globally, the State has increased its focus on efficient and environmentally friendly methods and alternative energy solutions to support the changing needs of the globe. These efforts span the State’s higher education institutions and the many energy companies that already exist within the state ecosystem.

The OSU Discovery Center (previously the Baker Hughes Energy Innovation Center) will allow researchers and students to collaborate with industry experts to innovate and advance key technologies in engineering for the field. Oklahoma’s energy expertise extends well beyond traditional energy to geothermal, solar, and wind and is leading the way with a diverse energy plan.

Currently, the State ranks No. 3 in installed wind capacity and has 32% of Oklahoma’s electricity generated from renewable resources. Along with having one of the lowest electricity rates in the country, in 2019, the State became No. 2 in the nation for electric vehicle charging.

Focusing more resources on these and other energy diversification areas will help the State develop and maintain leadership across all areas of energy.