Dave Kaiser is the Deputy Director for the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation, which is staffed by the Office of Science, Technology & Innovation in the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

In this role, Kaiser manages research projects, policy analysis, and programmatic functions, writes reports, articles, and issues press releases on innovation opportunities and activities across the state, and collaborates and fosters partnerships in support of North Carolina’s efforts in the recruitment and retention of high-growth, innovative companies statewide. Kaiser also directs conferences, workshops, and task force meetings organized by the Office. He is also responsible for the management the social media campaign for the Board of Science, Technology, & Innovation.

Previously, Kaiser was a research economist at RTI International, where he conducted and managed research projects and site visit research teams, and oversaw the budget and contractual requirements for major Federal projects. His work at RTI International has been published in several academic journals and government reports. Prior to working at RTI International, Kaiser was a Research & Policy Analyst at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, where he supported research and programmatic efforts on entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development. He has served as an evaluator for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s eMBA Soft Launch Program and as a Phase II reviewer for the National Science Foundation. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for FIRST North Carolina, a nonprofit organization created to inspire youth in North Carolina to pursue further studies and careers in science and technology and to help students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to compete in the technologically-driven global economy; on the Board of Adivsors for the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership, which addresses the critical need for high-quality professional development for educators and is the largest STEM-focused teacher leadership program in North Carolina; and is a mentor in the LaunchAPEX program. He is a 2020 recipient of the 40 Under 40 Leadership Award by the Triangle Business Journal.

Trained as an economist, Kaiser has a B.S. and an M.A. in economics from Nebraska Wesleyan University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, respectively. He and his wife, Kristin, live in Apex and have two young children. He can be reached at (919) 814-4641 and david.kaiser@commerce.nc.gov.