(1) The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning shall have responsibility for the administration of the center. By so designating the board of trustees as administrator for the center, the Legislature hereby expresses its intent that the center shall have a relationship of close cooperation and coordination with the several universities but that the center shall not be under the control or influence of any single institution. With the approval of the board of trustees, academically eligible center staff may hold appointment to faculties of state universities and university faculty members may be assigned to the center.

(2) The Mississippi Department of Economic Development, being the economic development agency for the state, shall advise on the programs and projects of the center focused upon economic development.

(3) The center may advise the various agencies and departments of state government regarding internal research needs and programs and shall assist in the establishment of such programs where needed. These programs shall be coordinated by the center in order to minimize duplication of effort, to maximize utilization of data and equipment and to standardize procedures for the more efficient pursuit of research.

(4) Communities, counties, special-purpose districts, multicounty area development groupings and other such organizations may call upon the center for informational services. Specific research projects may be undertaken by the center for such organizations on a contract basis.

(5) The center may provide advice and counsel, consistent with its duties and responsibilities, to the private business community. Consultation and information may also be made available to other segments of the private business community. Advice and assistance for the establishment of research programs within business organizations may be provided by the center. Specific research projects may be undertaken by the center for private business on a contract basis. The center may solicit and accept grants and other financial aid or support from private sources.