Release date: May 14, 2025
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When we think about innovation, it’s easy to focus on the breakthrough ideas or the cutting-edge technologies, but often, it’s the physical spaces and partnerships behind the scenes that make those breakthroughs possible. Research parks are one of the most powerful and often overlooked tools driving innovation, economic growth, and collaboration in communities across the country.
In this episode, I’m joined by Brian Darmody, Chief Strategy Officer of the Association of University Research Parks, also known as AURP. Brian brings decades of experience at the intersection of higher education, government, and entrepreneurship. He shares how research parks serve as dynamic hubs that connect universities, federal labs, startups, and industry partners. These spaces do more than house offices. They foster ecosystems where ideas can grow into real-world solutions and talent can stay rooted in the regions that need it most.
We talk about the origins of research parks, how they’ve evolved into full-scale innovation districts, and why they’re more relevant than ever. Whether you’re part of a tech transfer office, work in economic development, or just want a better understanding of how place-based innovation really works, this is a conversation that connects the dots in a way few others can.
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In This Episode:
[01:39] Brian shares how he got into this field.
[02:48] The Bayh-Dole Act passed in 1980. As an entrepreneurial oriented lawyer he wanted to start a tech transfer office.
[05:50] We learn how Brian was introduced to the Association of University Research Parks.
[06:09] AURP was formed in 1986. It was started by Stanford University which is the world's first research park.
[10:30] Research parks that have had a major impact on commercialization and economic growth like Stanford and Research Triangle.
[13:26] Things you can do to make your ecosystem more fertile if you're not in a hub like Silicon Valley.
[15:26] Trends and how universities and research institutions are supporting startups and tech commercialization.
[17:27] Biggest challenges facing innovation districts today include real estate issues.
[19:47] How Federal Labs can engage with these innovation hubs to help maximize impact. Every federal lab should have a plan to develop partnerships outside the gate.
[22:53] A lot of work at research parks needs to be done in person, because you need equipment. A lot of the work is collaborative.
[24:17] Brian feels that these research labs are only going to grow. There will be a blurring of where the research park and the campus is.
[25:26] Advice includes thinking outside the box!