Connecting the Technopark to the Incubator Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © Harold...

Connecting the Technopark to the

IncubatorAssociation of University Research Parks, 2012 ©

Harold Strong, AURP Immediate Past PresidentDirector 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

http://www.aurp.net


Simply StatedA 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


Where Are They?


What do we do in Research Parks?

6.30%

10.10%

19%

21.50%

24.10%

34.20%

45.60%

Agriculture

Aerospace/Electronics

Software Development

Computers/Electronics

Mixed/Other Technologies

Information Technology

Medical Biotechnology

Dominant TechnologiesSome parks reported more than one technology

Source: AURP Industry Profile


Unique Environments for the Intersection of University, Industry and Government

INDUSTRY GOVERNMENT

UNIVERSITY


Mutual BenefitsFor 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


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 BenefitsMutual Benefits


• Public Private Partnerships with a Mission• Technology Transfer / Commercialization• Partners in Park Development

Aspects of Technopark


• 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:


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


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


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


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


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


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.


Best Practices for Incubator Tenants

1. Business Assistance Program Coaching and Facilitation Monitoring Progress

2. Professional Infrastructure Know-how network Mentors Advisory Boards



3. Client Capitalization and Financing

4. Client Networking

5. Technology Licensing and Commercialization

6. University and Federal Lab Linkages



7. Facilities/Amenities

8. Governance and Staffing

9. Client Screening and Graduation

10.Incubator Evaluation

Connecting the Technopark to the Incubator Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © Harold...

Documents

Transcript of Connecting the Technopark to the Incubator Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © Harold...