A nationally noted speaker will join business, education, government and economic development leaders in North Dakota for a symposium titled “Enhancing North Dakota’s Success; University Roles in Innovation for Economic Prosperity.” Sponsored by the North Dakota State University Research and Technology Park, the event will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, at the Fargodome.
North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple will speak at the symposium, which also features Eva Klein, president of Eva Klein and Associates, Washington, D.C.
Klein is a noted national consultant about the status of university research, innovation and economic development strategies across the country. Her focus is invention of the 21st century (post-Ivory Tower) university and its proactive roles in serving regional, state and national priorities. An expert in higher education strategic planning, Klein has focused for more than two decades on inventing solutions to emerging challenges for higher education, as universities seek to become core resources in their regional and state economies, while continuing to improve performance in traditional missions.
Symposium speakers include NDSU President Dean L. Bresciani, NDSU Provost J. Bruce Raffert and Kelly A. Rusch, vice president for research and creative activity at NDSU.
“We look forward to hearing from speakers and participants, as we gather innovative ideas and discuss the role research and university technology parks play in regional economies,” said Chuck Hoge, interim executive director of the NDSU Research and Technology Park. “This symposium is the opening dialog to launch the NDSU Research and Technology Park’s strategic planning process with the university,” said Hoge.
“North Dakota’s leaders are forward looking in recognizing the role research universities play in economic development,” Rusch said. “Successful research parks are closely tied to universities, and we are looking at planning for the future to determine additional ways to contribute to the state’s success.”
The symposium is part of the first phase of data gathering and analysis in preparation for a strategic plan to be completed in 2014 for the Research and Technology Park. Previous strategic planning for the Research and Technology Park occurred in 2003, when a study was completed focusing on the Technology Incubator, which opened in 2007.
“We are looking forward to this cross-sector dialog about how to connect research, innovation and economic development strategies to complement the goals of the North Dakota 2020 and Beyond initiative for a diversified economy and robust workforce,” Hoge said.
The NDSU Research and Technology Park provides university researchers and private industry with a central location to combine their talents to develop new technologies, methods and systems. The Research Park serves as a catalyst for innovation in science and technology, leading to discoveries that contribute to North Dakota’s economic development. It covers 55 acres on the northwest portion of the NDSU campus. The NDSU Research and Technology Park provides support to technology start-ups in its incubator and fosters entrepreneurial growth through its annual Innovation Week in conjunction with North Dakota State University.