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PS 979

Para enmendar el Artículo 3 y el Artículo 4 del Plan de Reorganización del Departamento de Desarrollo Económico y Comercio de 1994, Plan de Reorganización Núm. 4 de 22 de junio de 1994, según enmendado, con el propósito añadir nuevas funciones al Departamento de Desarrollo Económico y Comercio dirigidas a fortalecer la investigación y el desarrollo tecnológico en Puerto Rico; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill expands Department of Economic Development's authority to include technology research and development functions to boost island innovation competitiveness.

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Bill Summary · PS 979

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 979 amends Articles 3 and 4 of the 1994 Reorganization Plan for Puerto Rico's Department of Economic Development and Commerce to expand the department's mandate. The bill specifically adds new functions focused on strengthening technological research and development (R&D) initiatives across the island.

Why is this important

Puerto Rico's economic competitiveness increasingly depends on innovation and technological advancement. Formalizing R&D responsibilities within the economic development department could help coordinate tech initiatives, attract research-based industries, and support local innovation ecosystems. This restructuring may influence how the government allocates resources and coordinates between economic development and research sectors.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource allocation: Expanding departmental functions without specified funding mechanisms raises questions about whether existing budgets will be redirected or new appropriations required
  • Institutional overlap: Puerto Rico has multiple agencies involved in science, technology, and education; unclear how this change coordinates with or duplicates existing R&D efforts
  • Implementation capacity: The bill's vague language ("nuevas funciones") lacks specific metrics, timelines, or operational details for executing expanded R&D responsibilities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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