Nurturing Knowledge Ecostystems

When The Research Triangle Park (RTP) was established, its founders set forth to change the economic base of the region and state. For 51 years, RTP has successfully fulfilled this goal to create high-quality job opportunities in North Carolina.

However, the environment in which science and technology parks (STPs) operate has transformed dramatically over the past several years. To ensure that RTP continues to be a model for providing scale, efficiency and global platforms for R&D and knowledge ecosystems, RTP is undertaking a Master Plan to rethink the spaces resident in its borders and surrounding core.

This paper focuses on what needs to be done to create places to spark innovation and illustrates strategies RTP will employ to address these challenges. It adds to the ongoing discussion on changes that should be considered by all STPs to encourage economic clustering, drive market demand and attract talent.