The research park and economic development community lost one of its leaders last month with the death of Jim Roberson, 85. Testimonials:

Brian Darmody, CEO with AURP, said, "As part of a distinguished global career in economic development, Jim served as Past President of AURP ('96-'98) and past Chair of what is now called IEDC (International Economic Development Council). He also served as President of Research Triangle Park in North Carolina, one of the oldest and most famous research parks in the US."

Charles Dilks, past AURP Board Member and former Executive Vice President with the University City Science Center, said, "Jim was one of the first economic development leaders with research park experience, especially sophisticated in developing and implementing park marketing strategies. He led AURP with vision and tireless energy when the association was in its infancy. Even with all his success he was a man of great humility and grace."

Bill Dean, Executive Director with the Auburn Research & Technology Foundation, said, "Jim Roberson was a servant leader who focused on the growth and well-being of people, organizations and communities where he belonged. I am pleased to have known Jim and been part of his leadership while he served as President of the Association of University Research Parks. Jim and I spent time together discussing new trends in technology led economic development and how we could work together to improve the research park brand and expansion across the world. I am pleased to call Jim my friend with much admiration for his recognized leadership across so many organizations. Yes, Jim was a servant leader who will be remembered and missed."

Read Jim Roberson's obituary.

Innovation Park has been awarded a $10.2 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to build the first mixed-use business incubator/accelerator of its kind in the region.

The North Florida Innovation Labs will be a new 40,000 square-foot facility located on 3.5 acres in Innovation Park and will be focused on helping hard science high-tech companies pioneer new technologies and create jobs, putting the Tallahassee region at the forefront of innovation.

North Florida Innovation Labs, the official name of the incubator, will be a new $17 million 40,000 square-foot facility, helping to put the Tallahassee region at the forefront of innovation. Read more.

Carol Stewart, Associate Vice President of Tech Parks Arizona and past AURP President, has been put in the spotlight by nationally focused business publication, Profile Magazine.

In its most recent issue, Profile writes of Carol: "Stewart is a widely recognized leader in the technology park world, having served as the CEO of the Association of University Research Parks, which represents two hundred research parks across the world. In this role, she influenced national policy in Canada, created standardized programs for tech parks, helped establish national and international business networks, and assisted countries with the development of their national science and technology policies. Tech Parks Arizona, a quarter century old when Stewart took the reins in December 2018, with a track record of success and potential for rapid growth — an exciting reason to make the move." Read more.

AURP member, Amy Adams', was the recent feature of BioBuzz' “5 Questions With…” a weekly series from the BioHealth Capital Region sharing a little about these individual's, their work, and maybe something completely unrelated. This edition features 5 Questions with Amy Adams, Executive Director of the Institute for Biohealth Innovation at George Mason University. Read more.

Mary Mumper, Project Coordinator with UC Davis Aggie Square!

Celebrating a decade of inquiry, exploration, and innovation, explore Perkins and Will's Innovation Incubator program and read of the sampling of innovation stories available through this unique opportunity.

The University of Utah has formed the Partners for Innovation, Ventures, Outreach & Technology (PIVOT) Center, a centralized office that will drive the university’s expanding efforts for economic engagement for the greater Utah community.

The new office builds on the work by the Center for Technology & Venture Commercialization (TVC), to serve as a hub to foster partnerships between industry, university and government entities. This effort formalizes the U’s commitment to increase its impact on Utah’s economy by catalyzing innovation. Read more.

This Webinar is complimentary (free of charge)

to attend thanks to our sponsor, Riipen!

AURP CEO Brian Darmody writes a new blog post on the importance of the Bayh-Dole Act on its 40th anniversary:

"Both the biotech industry and venture capital would look very different if the Bayh-Dole had not passed back in 1980, stimulating the growth of startup companies and new bio technologies in the US."

Read more!

P2Ps: BECAUSE IT'S WHO YOU KNOW 

Recordings available on the Digital Library and YouTube

Learn through shared experiences and guest speakers. Sign up today!

Join in on our next AURP Peer to Peer (P2P) gathering to learn how others are dealing with these rapidly changing crises. Discussions include new best practices for maintaining your environment while meeting stakeholder expectations, employee privacy and safety, growth and financial strategies and more.

Communicators Check-In | Oct 22nd @ 12:00 pm ET

The Communicators Check-In group (communications, marketing, community and tenant liaisons) share communications strategies for parks/districts mission and initiatives.

Check out the AURP Career Center to discover your next career opportunity:

SUBMIT YOUR STORY FOR A FUTURE PARK POST!

Would you like to showcase your Community of Innovation, tenant or university activities in an upcoming AURP Park Post? We want to hear your stories so we can share them with the greater AURP community. Email us today!

AURP Community is 'IN ACTION'!

Driving new engagement initiatives, educating municipalities and leaders on safety precautions, and driving innovation in resolve of the Covid-19 pandemic.