Perdue wants 'state of innovation'

Gov. Beverly Perdue plans to create a state innovation council.

Perdue asked the state Economic Development Board Thursday to construct a plan to position the state to take advantage of a recovering economy. She asked for recommendations on, among other steps, how to: attract industries such as defense contractors and aerospace companies, adjust the tax structure to help large and small businesses grow and market the state around the world.

To aid in those efforts, Perdue wants some of the board members to also join a state innovation council of scientists and business leaders to draft policy recommendations to encourage innovation and attract venture capital.

"That's how you transition from the lab to the marketplace," Perdue said.