University research parks are a big and growing part of America’s innovation system, according to a new study published by the Association of University Research Parks and Battelle. Characteristics and Trends in North American Research Parks: 21st Century Directions. The study surveyed 134 research parks in the US and Canada. Overall, these parks encompass more than 47,000 acres and 124 million square feet of building space. Collectively, the research parks employ more than 300,000 people. Some trends are appearing in this market. Interestingly, research parks are starting to place more emphasis on incubating and nurturing entrepreneurial companies (as opposed to housing established firms) as a means to grow their future tenant base. Another promising trend is that research parks are reaching out more aggressively to support economic development in the surrounding region. As universities become more engaged in these activities are being viewed not simply as business locations, but as key drivers of the local economy.

Download the October 2007 report, Characteristics and Trends in North American Research Parks: 21st Century Directions, by the Association of University Research Parks and Battelle.