ACOA Funds Association Of University Research Parks (AURP)
May 22nd, 2013
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Atlantic Gateway, has announced support to the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) Canada. The funding will help position research parks for greater sustainability and enable the advancement of research and development throughout the Atlantic region.
“The Government of Canada is working with communities and businesses across New Brunswick by supporting initiatives that lead to economic growth for years to come,” said Minister Ashfield. “Our investment in AURP Canada will help gather valuable information that will highlight opportunities to strengthen the research and development capacities of our area, sustain skilled jobs, and open up new markets.”
The project involves the development of an economic impact study and a marketing plan that will assist in developing a long-term strategic plan for 26 research parks across Canada, including a regional strategy for Fredericton’s Knowledge Park.
“We are delighted to be working with ACOA as a partner on this project and thank the government for its support of our research and technology parks” says Ms. Carol Stewart, President of AURP Canada, “The national collaborative nature of this project is a testament to the government’s commitment to build a more robust national knowledge economy and supporting innovation eco-system.”
“As part of the network of the 26 research and technology parks across Canada, Knowledge Park is helping to put New Brunswick on the map”, notes Mr. Larry Shaw, CEO of Knowledge Park and National Treasurer for AURP Canada, “Having the opportunity to participate in this project creates further value to the tenants of Knowledge Park and strengthens our initiatives such as Acceler8 by adopting best practices from our colleagues.”
The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Business Development Program (BDP), is investing $70,250 while the Knowledge Park is providing $10,000. Other contributors to this project include FedDev Ontario with $129,500; Agritech Park in Nova Scotia with $25,000 and other research parks across Canada with $82,750. The national collaborative nature of this project is a symbol of the progress and support to enhance the national knowledge economy.
The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) Canada is a national association that represents 26 research and technology parks across Canada. Founded in June 2007 as a chapter of AURP international, AURP Canada is a not-for-profit organization with a mandate to act as the united voice of Canadian university research parks.