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5/16/01
Research and Technology Park dedicated
Fargo, N.D., May 16—North Dakota State University's new Research and Technology Park was dedicated during ceremonies May 12. Keynote speakers included President Joseph A. Chapman; Rita Colwell, director of the National Science Foundation; and John Lawson, senior vice president for technology and engineering, Deere and Co.
Located on 40 acres on the north end of campus, the park is a partnership between entrepreneurs, technology-based businesses and university researchers that is designed to aid the creation of new business ventures.
"This is a project that's time has come," Chapman said. "So what's the good idea? Very simply, there needs to be a place where university faculty, staff and students can work side-by-side with researchers from the private sector on cutting-edge projects."
Colwell said the park's buildings will not just house people, laboratories and offices, but they hold the promise of spearheading economic growth for the state and region.
"As I read about the economic history of North Dakota," said Colwell, "I learned that the United States has mostly looked to this region as a producer of raw materials and as an exporter of young people. But now we see the picture changing.
"What's really different is the connection forged by science and engineering that lets us live, work and dream on a global scale from almost anywhere in the world. While renewing the engagement of the community, the university here is also creating new linkages to the wider world," she said. "We celebrate that spirit today."
The park's cornerstone tenant is Phoenix International Corp., a John Deere company. The manufacturer of electronic controls and sensors will occupy the park's first structure, which will provide laboratory and office space for a projected 320 employees.
According to Lawson, Deere faces an aggressive growth plan in the new digital economy. "Emerging technologies that are being developed here at Phoenix International will play a central role in providing the tools to take John Deere to this new level," he said. "Attracting and retaining top-rate employees is a primary and critical focus, and there's no question that the partnership developed will help us attract some of the brightest employees."
The park's second building is designed for NDSU researchers. It includes laboratories and Internet-wired, technology-related facilities. Also planned is a 25,000-square foot business incubator, where emerging companies will lease space as faculty and students work with them to prepare new products or methods.
The park's future looks bright, with expectations of expansion in the years to come. "As we formally dedicate the park, this is the ribbon cutting for the first of what we believe will be several new buildings," Chapman said.
Dedication speakers also included Gov. John Hoeven; U.S. Sen. Byron Dorgan; Fargo Mayor Bruce Furness; John T. Korsmo, State Board of Higher Education; and Jonas Peterson, NDSU student body president.
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