(a) The board shall designate an institution of higher education with appropriate facilities and resources to conduct a continuing study of the programs and other efforts of institutions of higher education to address the needs of small businesses in this state for assistance in research, development, and prototyping.
(b) At times the board considers appropriate, the institution conducting the continuing study shall make recommendations on actions that may be taken to address the needs of small businesses as described by Subsection (a) in the most cost-effective manner, including through the participation of institutions of higher education in partnerships, ventures, or projects that promote the commercialization of technology for or by small businesses. The board shall deliver the recommendations to appropriate institutions of higher education and to the legislature.