Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © Best Practices in Technopark Management Association of University Research Parks, 2012© [email protected]

Association of University Research Parks, 2012 ©

Best Practices in Technopark Management

Association of University Research Parks, 2012©

[email protected]


…once you’ve seen one Research Park, you’ve seen one Research Park!


The Importance of The Plan

• Communication to Partners• Communicates the focus of the

Park• Communicates time table and

milestones• Used to develop and maintain

external support• Tool to obtain resources• Communicates operational

structure


The Importance of The Plan

• Mission & Vision• Brand & Product Description• Marketing Strategy• Management & Operating Structure• Resource & Partner Development• Success Measures & Timetable• Executive Summary• Supporting Information


Mission & Vision


Mission & Vision Example

– University Research Park University of Wisconsin-Madison:To encourage technology development & commercialization that advances the economy & benefits research & related educational programs of the UW-Madison

– LSU Innovation ParkTo encourage technology commercialization of university and industrial expertise and resources

that will result in the creation of wealth by developing vibrant businesses and high quality jobs.


Targeted Technologies• Energy, Alternative Energy, Green Technology• Digital Media, Interactive entertainment

software• Bio-Tech and Life Sciences• Disaster management• Homeland security and Anti-terrorism• Sea, Cost and the Environment• Advanced Materials / micro-machining • High Speed computing• Agriculture and Food Technology• Engineering and Product Development• Federal Labs: NOAA National Weather Service


Brand & Product Description

• Unique Image / Branding / Focus– Use Restrictions – Niche or General

Purpose– Development Amenities– Development Densities– Architectural Controls– Educational or Technical Assistance

Programs


Brand & Product Description

• Pricing– Land, Office, Lab, Manufacturing,

Incubator

• Terms– Lease or Purchase of Land,

Buildings– Build-to-Suit Options


Marketing Strategy

• Market Research – Study Area & University Strengths – Identify Clusters & Opportunities

• Potential Tenants– Area Entrepreneurs– Satellite Facilities– International Companies– Suppliers to Existing Companies

• Identify the Competition


Management & Operational Structure

• Public, Non-Profit, Private, University, Joint Venture

• Governance & Advisory Boards • Size & Membership Requirements• Staffing: Size and Skill Set• Legal, Accounting & Human

Resources


Development of Resources

• How will you finance operations, infrastructure, buildings and programs?

• Land & Infrastructure Development--• Will it be phased in?• How will it be financed?• How will buildings be developed, financed

& owned?• How will initial studies, staffing &

consultants be supported?


Development of Resources

– What are the return requirements of equity & financing partners?

– How will client amenities & services be supported?

– Are there government tax, financing or operational support programs? For how long?


Partner Development• What kind of partners do you need &

why?– Land Development– Building Development– Property Management– Equity Partners– Client Program Support

• What kind of Partnership Structure– Exclusive, Joint-Venture, Contract


Success Measures & Timetables

• Definition of Milestones• Who benefit



• Operational Timetables & Success Measures– Land & Buildings Available & Leased;

Occupancy Percentages– Degree of Financial Subsidy or

Sufficiency– Equity Returns or Net Income– Tax Revenue Generated



• Programmatic Timetables & Success Measures– Jobs Created/Average Salaries– Creating jobs for students as interns

and upon graduation– Royalties or other University Income– Businesses created/recruited/located– Capital attracted & invested


External Factors Influence Park Success Measures & Timetable

• Skilled Labor Pool• Neutral/Supportive Tax Climate• University Connections• Business Services & Capital

Infrastructure• Competitive Land and Building Costs• Governmental Business Climate


External Factors Influence Park Success

• Relationship & Support of Research Institutions

• Quality of Life• Cost of Living• Available & Affordable Housing• Proximity to Airports/Transportation• Existing Clusters Complement/Support

Park Focus


Supporting Data

• Legal Structure & Articles of Incorporation

• Graphic Layout of Land & Buildings• Legal Descriptions of Land• Covenants, Codes and Restrictions• University Relationships/Services• Resumes of Key Personnel• Pro-forma Financial

Models/Projections

Questions

Association of University Research Parks, 2012©

Documents

Association of University Research Parks, 2012 © Best Practices in Technopark Management Association of University Research Parks, 2012© [email protected]