Connecting the Technopark to the Incubator Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © Harold Strong, AURP Immediate Past President Director of Discovery Park and Technology Transfer, University of North Texas

Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © What is a Research Park? Master planned property and buildings A virtual community connected by shared interests A contractual science/research institute Industry partnerships Promotes economic development

Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © Simply Stated A physical place A knowledge-based environment A partnership A research-based economy – both basic and applied Physical and intellectual infrastructure that supports innovation, commercialization and collaboration An investment in the future

Association of University Research Parks, 2011 © Where Are They?

Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © What do we do in Research Parks? Some parks reported more than one technology Source: AURP Industry Profile

Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © Unique Environments for the Intersection of University, Industry and Government INDUSTRY GOVERNMENT UNIVERSITY

Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © Mutual Benefits For the University: Research grants and sponsored research opportunities “Real World” problems Industry expertise State of the art facilities Opportunities for faculty consulting, recruiting & retention Internship and Career opportunities for students

Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © For Industry / Government: Access to state-of-the-art equipment Sponsored research opportunities Faculty as consultants Students Commercialization expertise Libraries, facilities, cultural & sporting events Mutual Benefits

Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © Public Private Partnerships with a Mission Technology Transfer / Commercialization Partners in Park Development Aspects of Technopark

Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © Most parks ground lease their land 3/4ths of the parks were established using public funds 2/3rds of the parks use public incentives to attract tenants 2/3rds have a business incubator (source: AURP) Most Parks are Set up to be Non-Profit Entities and:

Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © Technopark are: property based ventures promote community economic development tend to be larger developments house everything form corporate, government and university labs Incubators: Do not offer comprehensive programs for business assistance Difference Between an Incubator and Technopark

Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © Two principles characterize effective business incubation: The incubator has a positive impact on its community’s economic health by maximizing the success of emerging companies The incubator is a dynamic model of a sustainable, efficient business operation

Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © Incubation Programs strive to: 1.Get consensus that defines the incubator’s role in the community and develop a strategic plan to capture the objectives 2.Structure for financial sustainability by developing a business plan 3.Recruit and compensate capable management

Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © Incubation Programs strive to: 4.Build an effective board committed to successful companies 5.Place management emphasis on client assistance 6.Develop facility and resources that support incubator tenants 7.Integrate incubator program with park tenants and community support

Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © Incubation Programs strive to: 8.Develop stakeholder support that assists incubator tenants to achieve their goals 9.Maintain an information system that allows for the program to improve over time

Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © The tech incubator‘s prime purpose is to facilitate the early stage entrepreneurial firm, university and laboratory to move its research work through pilot testing, seed financing and market entry.

Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © Best Practices for Incubator Tenants 1.Business Assistance Program  Coaching and Facilitation  Monitoring Progress 2.Professional Infrastructure  Know-how network  Mentors  Advisory Boards

Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © Best Practices for Incubator Tenants 3.Client Capitalization and Financing 4.Client Networking 5.Technology Licensing and Commercialization 6.University and Federal Lab Linkages

Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © Best Practices for Incubator Tenants 7.Facilities/Amenities 8.Governance and Staffing 9.Client Screening and Graduation 10.Incubator Evaluation

Questions Association of University Research Parks, 2012© Harold Strong, AURP Immediate Past President Director of Discovery Park and Technology Transfer, University of North Texas