TOPIC: The NC Department of Commerce Office of Science & Technology: Overview, Activities, & Impacts 

SPEAKER: John Hardin, Executive Director of the Office of Science & Technology

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John Hardin is the Executive Director of the Office of Science and Technology. He was appointed acting director in 2008 and executive director in 2009.  From 2003 to 2008, he served as the office’s Deputy Director and Chief Policy Analyst.

In his current role he conducts strategic planning and makes recommendations for technology-based economic development, implements technology-related economic development policy and resource allocations, supervises the staff of the N.C. Board of Science and Technology, directs and oversees the administration of grant programs to support technology development and commercialization, and oversees strategic initiatives.

From 1998 to 2003, he served as Assistant Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs in the UNC General Administration. From 1998 to 2005, he held an Adjunct Assistant Professor position in the Dept. of Political Science at UNC-Chapel Hill. He currently holds an Adjunct Assistant Professor position in the Dept. of Public Policy at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he teaches courses on American politics, public policy, and policy analysis. 

A native of Tulsa, Okla., he holds M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in political science from UNC-Chapel Hill, and a B.A. in economics from Baylor University.