Innovation-based economic development is key to driving job creation and economic growth in communities around the world. Recent economic impact studies show that university research parks are making significant impacts on their communities.
“University research parks and technology incubators are poised to create high-wage jobs by attracting companies to their region and growing new startups,” said AURP President Harold Strong.
High-wage jobs are just one of the many impacts that the Purdue Research Park Network is making on Indiana. According to a recent economic impact study, the Purdue Research Park Network is responsible for a $1.3 billion annual impact for the State of Indiana and “more than 4,000 high-tech, high-quality jobs paying an average annual salary of $63,000 – 65 percent higher than the Indiana average.”
Research parks are also impacting job creation in the community, outside of the park. The 19 businesses located at the North Dakota State University Research & Technology Park account for 893 direct, on-site jobs and another 551 indirect, off-site jobs, according to a recent economic impact study.
In November, the world’s innovation executives will convene for the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) 2011 International Conference: Developing the Culture of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in New Orleans, LA. Using innovation as a way to create jobs will be the focus of the event that will celebrate the association’s 25th anniversary.
“AURP knows the important role that university research parks and technology incubators play in their communities,” said AURP Chief Executive Officer Eileen Walker. “We look forward to welcoming the world’s innovation leaders for networking and professional development uniquely-designed for research park executives.”
While in New Orleans, innovation professionals will hear from Dr. John B. Elstrott, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Whole Foods Market, Inc. on ways to create a culture of entrepreneurship by training and inspiring entrepreneurs.
For an outlook of the economic horizon, AURP will hear from Dr. Loren C. Scott, Professor Emeritus of Louisiana State University and President of Loren C. Scott & Associates, Inc.
And Innovation Daily’s Richard Bendis will speak at the 2011 International Conference on innovation-based economic development and the critical partnerships needed for success.
“At the 2011 International Conference, we’re not just talking about job creation and economic growth,” said Strong. “We’re setting the groundwork to help our communities take action.”
About AURP: The Association of University Research Parks is a professional association of university related research and science parks. AURP’s mission is to foster innovation, commercialization and economic growth through university, industry and government partnerships. For more information, visit AURP’s Web site at www.aurp.net or contact Chelsea Simpson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
About the 2011 International Conference: The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) will welcome university research, science and technology park professionals to New Orleans, LA November 30-December 2, 2011. For more information and to register, visit http://international.aurp.net.
