The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) has released its 2025 Economic Impact Report, conducted in collaboration with Stiletto: Make a Point, showcasing the substantial contributions of innovation hubs across North America. These ecosystems—comprising research parks, innovation districts, and technology clusters—are driving economic growth, workforce development, and technological advancement. n nFindings reveal that these innovation communities collectively generate: n nOver 2.5 million jobs n n$295 billion in annual GDP n n$33 billion in yearly federal tax revenue n n”These spaces are far more than centers of scientific inquiry—they are engines of economic resilience and talent cultivation,” said Vickie Palmer, CEO of AURP. “Our members are pivotal in strengthening U.S. leadership in science, technology, and long-term economic stability.” n nBy integrating academic institutions, private enterprises, startups, and government bodies, research parks create environments where discoveries transition into market-ready solutions. They support workforce readiness through internships, cooperative education programs, entrepreneurial resources, and access to advanced infrastructure. n nOne standout finding highlights the success of startups within these zones: incubated ventures achieve a 75% survival rate, significantly surpassing the national average of 49%. This reflects the value of concentrated expertise, shared facilities, and collaborative networks. n nThe report also details the impact of individual large-scale parks. For instance, a typical research park spanning close to one million square feet contributes approximately: n n15,700 jobs n n$1.8 billion to GDP n n$974 million in annual employment income n n$206.8 million in federal tax receipts per year n nPost-pandemic recovery has been robust in these innovation zones, with occupancy rates exceeding 90% in many locations—contrasting sharply with persistent double-digit vacancy levels in general commercial office spaces. This resilience is attributed to sector-specific clustering and tenants focused on innovation-driven industries. n nLaura O’Blenis, President and CEO of Stiletto, emphasized the strategic importance of place-based innovation: “This analysis confirms that innovation districts are uniquely adaptive, consistently producing high-quality employment, breakthrough research, and significant public revenue.” n nThe data, drawn from over 160 million square feet of research park developments, offers actionable intelligence for policymakers, university leaders, and industry partners. Allison Madden, AURP President and COO, noted that the findings help articulate the tangible returns on public and institutional investments in innovation ecosystems. n nAURP, a nonprofit organization with offices at the University of Maryland Discovery District and the University of Arizona Tech Park, connects leaders in university-led innovation to scale regional impact and foster global collaboration in technology transfer and industry-academic partnerships. n— news from University of South Florida
— News Original —
Association of University Research Parks releases 2025 Economic Impact Report: The Power of North American Research Parks
The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) has released its 2025 Economic Impact Survey Results, prepared in partnership with Stiletto: Make a Point, highlighting the critical role of communities of innovation in powering workforce solutions, advancing research commercialization, and driving regional and national economic impact. n nAccording to the report, research parks, innovation districts, and other communities of innovation across North America collectively empower an impressive return on investment. Results show the unique communities generate: n nMore than 2.5 million jobs n n$295 billion annually to GDP n n$33 billion in federal tax revenue each year n nView full survey results n n“These communities are not only places of discovery and collaboration but also engines of workforce development, producing high-paying jobs and preparing the next generation of innovators,” said Vickie Palmer, AURP CEO. “Our findings affirm that AURP members are at the forefront of advancing U.S. competitiveness in science, technology, and economic resilience.” n nResearch parks provide unique ecosystems where academic institutions, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and government agencies collaborate to transform research into real-world solutions. By fostering workforce training, co-op and internship programs, entrepreneurship services, and access to specialized facilities, these communities of innovation are addressing urgent workforce needs while advancing commercialization of groundbreaking research. n nAs reported in AURP’s 2018 Benchmarking Report conducted by TEConomy Partners and Perkins&Will. The research parks and communities fuel job creation by helping startups succeed—providing the space, labs, and talent pipelines that drive a 75% survival rate, far above the national average of 49%. n nRead full report here n n“Stiletto was pleased to partner with AURP on this important analysis.” says Laura O’Blenis, President and CEO of Stiletto. “This report confirms what we see across communities of innovation every day: they are uniquely resilient, withstanding economic shifts while continuing to generate high-quality jobs, research breakthroughs, and critical tax revenues. Placemaking in these hubs has become a proven driver of competitiveness and community prosperity across North America.” n nThe study underscores the outsized benefits of these communities at the local and national level. For example, a large research park of nearly one million square feet generates an average of: n n15,700 jobs n n$1.8 billion in GDP n n$974 million in employment income annually n n$206.8 million in federal tax revenue each year n nResearch parks and innovation districts have rebounded strongly post-pandemic, maintaining occupancy rates above 90% in many locations, compared to persistent double-digit vacancies in the broader commercial office market—highlighting the resilience of these communities, driven by sector clustering and innovation-focused tenants. n nAURP extends sincere gratitude to Stiletto: Make a Point for their expertise in preparing this critical assessment. Their rigorous analysis of data across more than 160 million square feet of development provides actionable insights for policymakers, universities, and industry stakeholders. n n“Stiletto’s work helps quantify the transformational impact our members deliver every day,” added Allison Madden, AURP President and Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary at the University of South Florida Research Foundation. “With this report, we can better tell the story of how AURP communities fuel innovation, strengthen regional economies, and deliver a lasting return on federal and local investments.” n nAbout AURP n nThe Association of University Research Parks (AURP), a nonprofit international organization with offices in the Washington, DC area at the University of Maryland Discovery District and in Tucson, AZ at the University of Arizona Tech Park, connecting leaders of university-driven innovation ecosystems to scale and share regional innovation. AURP and its global membership promote research, institute-industry relations and innovation districts to foster innovation and to facilitate the transfer of technology from such institutions to the private sector.