Transforming research triangle park for the next 50 years: a plan to leverage 65 years of success in research and economic development for smart and equitable growth

Leveraging 65 years as a national economic catalyst under a pure research and development model, Research Triangle Park in North Carolina, USA, is re-envisioning itself for the next 50 years. As one of the fastest growing MSAs in the United States, the Research Triangle region is projected to grow by 50% in population – adding one million residents by 2050. The region has received numerous accolades, including being named among the top places to live and best states for business.Encompassing 7,000 acres, Research Triangle Park is a unique asset that will help the Triangle region accommodate growth in a smart, sustainable and equitable way. Embedded in the plan is a mechanism to capture some of the enhanced land value to support next-generation research and collaboration among the region’s three Tier-1 research universities, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), technical and community colleges, and national research institutes.