Governor Josh Stein and the North Carolina Department of Commerce have launched a new statewide advisory council aimed at strengthening North Carolina’s role in defense research, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies.

The new council, called NC ALIGN (North Carolina Advisory Leaders for Innovation Growth in National Security), will bring together leaders from industry, higher education, state government and national security organizations to help attract federal research funding, expand technology commercialization and support long-term economic growth.

“North Carolina’s future economic success depends on our ability to connect research, innovation, talent and industry to emerging national security solutions,” Stein said in a statement.

The council will focus on identifying opportunities in science and technology, improving the visibility of the state’s research capabilities, strengthening collaboration among universities, businesses and government agencies, and building relationships with federal partners.

State Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley said the initiative supports North Carolina’s First in Opportunity Strategic Economic Development Plan by helping the state compete for investments in industries tied to national security.

According to the Department of Commerce, NC ALIGN will serve as an advisory body and will not administer grants or funding programs. Instead, it will provide recommendations to better coordinate North Carolina’s research, innovation and workforce assets.

The council includes representatives from organizations across the state’s defense and technology sectors and will work with military installations, research universities and economic development partners.

State officials said the council’s first-year priorities include assessing North Carolina’s technology capabilities, identifying growth opportunities and strengthening partnerships with federal agencies to expand the state’s defense innovation economy.