Newswise — The ability of the U.S. to remain competitive in 21st-century innovation-based economies will depend upon maximizing the efficiency and productivity of a vast array of resources. National leaders from university-affiliated research, science and technology parks will brief Congressional Representatives and staff members tomorrow, May 22, 2008, on the synergy achieved in research park settings that fosters sustainable economic growth by speeding the process of discovery, business incubation and commercialization of new products and processes. With a world-wide movement well underway to create similar research and business development centers, Congress faces critical policy-making decisions that could either assist or impede the ability of U.S.-based universities and companies to remain competitive.
The briefing will examine critical questions for policy-makers including: What are the critical factors in fostering the most productive culture of innovation? What creates the greatest likelihood of retaining, locally or regionally, the benefits of all phases of the innovation process?
What infrastructure needs are emerging? What practices are being developed to maximize return our collective research investment?
The briefing will be conducted by: Brian Darmody, Associate Vice President, Research and Economic Development, University of Maryland; and Bill Dean, Director, Piedmont Triad Research Park, Wake Forest University.
The Congressional Research & Development (R&D) Caucus meeting will take place from 12 noon until 1:30 p.m. in Room B340 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. The R&D Caucus co-chairpersons are The Honorable Rush Holt (D-NJ) and The Honorable Judy Biggert (R-IL).
The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) is a 22-year-old association serving the more than 400 university research, science, and technology parks worldwide. Current information on university research parks and the association is available at http://www.aurp.net.
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