The Secretary serves as the chief advisor to the Governor on the impact of science and technology on the State's economic development.

Previously, the Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce had served the role of chief science officer of the State since 1986 when that position was established by the Executive Branch Reform Act of 1986.

As of fiscal year 2011, the Secretary oversees 26 full-time employees and is responsible for an annual budget of $38 million.

Historically, the Secretary of Science and Technology has not served in any such dual position.

[1] As such, it is left to the Governor to determine the Secretary's salary in the annual budget.