The Kansas Technology Enterprise Corp. has survived for another year, but its future is far from certain.

Much of the state money funneled through KTEC is being put to good use promoting high-tech business in the state. The question is whether there are more efficient and effective ways for the state to pursue its economic development goals.

As Gov. Mark Parkinson noted earlier this month, Kansas has at least four economic development agencies “trying to do basically the same thing.” He’s right to wonder if there isn’t a better way, and, along with some legislative leaders, to call for an interim review of the state’s economic development agencies, including KTEC. That examination is long overdue.

Despite his reservations, Parkinson signed a budget Friday that will provide $7 million in funding for KTEC in the coming year, down from the $12 million that was in an earlier version of the budget. The funding will allow KTEC to support its most successful efforts but clearly will force it to cut back in some areas.

The budget reduction, along with the departure of KTEC CEO Tracy Taylor next month, makes this a perfect time for both the state and the KTEC board to re-evaluate the agency’s mission and operation. It appears to have been no coincidence that Taylor’s resignation was announced just days before the governor signed the budget bill, including KTEC funding. Taylor’s large salary and bonuses, along with continuing reports of his lack of communication with the public, state legislators and even his own board made it seem that it was time for a change.

That change may involve more than hiring a new CEO. KTEC directors immediately announced they would conduct a nationwide search for Taylor’s replacement, but they may be missing the message being sent by the governor and some state legislators. State officials want a full review of the state’s economic development efforts. Such a review may well determine that the work being done by KTEC could be handled better and for a lower cost by another agency. By the time KTEC conducts a search and hires a new CEO, there’s a chance there will be no agency for that person to lead.

It’s good that the $7 million in the approved budget will allow important KTEC projects at state universities and other centers to move forward. It’s also good that state officials are recognizing that, in its zeal to promote high technology efforts in Kansas, the state may have created and funded more agencies than it needs.