NDSU's Research and Technology Park was recently named a finalist in the EDA Excellence in Economic Development Awards competition. The program is sponsored by the Economic Development Administration within the U.S. Department of Commerce. NDSU's Technology Park was among three finalists in the category of Technology-led Economic Development. Other finalists were the University of Kentucky Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship, Lexington, and Sandia Science and Technology Park, Albuquerque, N.M.

"To be named as a finalist in this national competition is an exceptional honor," said Tony Grindberg, executive director of NDSU's Research and Technology Park. Nominations in the competition are evaluated to determine how effectively they support technology-led economic development and reflect the important role of linking universities, industries and technology transfers.

In the nomination process, NDSU emphasized that the Technology Park is market-based and results driven. The initiative directly counters a prior unsuccessful strategy that failed to reverse the state's chronic out-migration. The park's strategy emphasizes employing and building on the skills and intellect of North Dakotans to develop new technologies and ultimately new jobs with accompanying higher pay and skill levels.

The application emphasized the park's success in locating Phoenix International, Alien Technology and Bobcat on the 55 acres on which the park sits. It also noted the strength of its organizational leadership, a mix of business, education and government representatives at all levels. The Park's support of entrepreneurs was highlighted with its "5:01 Entrepreneur Society" meetings where entrepreneurs, students, faculty and angel investors can meet to exchange ideas. In addition, a local entrepreneur donates scholarships of $2,000 annually to incoming freshmen at NDSU to support students' entrepreneurial pursuits. The new Center for Technology Enterprise being constructed in the park also serves to help businesses commercialize their technologies.

The nomination noted the success and economic impact of the park, which serves as the workplace of 400 employees in the five years since it was established. "I think the judges also noted the high degree of commitment by many levels of government that is resulting in the Park's success," said Grindberg. "Efforts of North Dakota's entire Congressional delegation, including Sen. Byron Dorgan, as well as Gov. John Hoeven, North Dakota's legislators, business leaders and state and local economic development officials made an impact in the our successful nomination process."