New research park in Brookings?

[jackmd]

Early stages, just some aspirations right now.

http://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/aber...s/11393588.htm

Research park proposed by South Dakota State University
Associated Press


BROOKINGS, S.D. - A research park planned by South Dakota State University would bring high-quality jobs and top-notch faculty, students and scientists to the state, according to officials reviewing the plan.

Consultants met Wednesday with educators, business people, elected officials and citizens to discuss plans for the park. As proposed, it would be built adjacent to the SDSU campus on 134 acres that has been secured by a 99-year lease with the state Board of Regents.

Although the project is in the early stages, officials think agricultural biotechnology probably could be a major focus of the research park.

"You have to have research so valuable that people want to come work with it," SDSU President Peggy Gordon Miller said.

Some research partnerships already exist between SDSU and private companies, said Kevin Kephart, director of the Agricultural Experiment Station.

"All of those lead to success and, through that success, other companies are coming to us," Kephart said.

Initial funding for the SDSU Growth Partnership has come from member organizations. Gov. Mike Rounds arranged for $100,000 in state money to be used for the project..........

[89rabbit]

Re: New research park in Brookings?

Here are highlights from an Argus editorial on this topic:

http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs...504240320/1052

Research park promising
Be patient with SDSU as it begins to form, seek money for project

published: 04/24/05

An exciting project is in the works that could bring terrific benefits not just for South Dakota State University but for the state as a whole.

Of course, it's just in the idea stage right now. We're a long way from anything concrete. But what a wonderful concept.

SDSU President Peggy Gordon Miller led a presentation in Brookings that spelled out the idea of a research park on 134 acres next to the school. Even though this is just in the early stages, a focus logically could be agricultural biotechnology."You have to have research so valuable that people want to come work with it," Miller said.

Such a park - once established - could create high-quality jobs, draw faculty, scientists and students, attract retail and hotel development, and generally boost the profile of SDSU, as well as Brookings.Perhaps most important, it could help stop the drain of young people from South Dakota.

"It would help in keeping our young, talented people here," said Jim Morgan, president of Daktronics, which already is linked to SDSU and is part of the SDSU Growth Partnership, which is working on a business plan for the park.

The meeting in Brookings was to present the general ideas. That was done mostly by Virginia-based Ideal Partnerships, which has worked in research park development for 20 years. Meetings with individuals and small groups also were planned.The concept seems a good match for SDSU, which already has partnerships with business through the Agricultural Experiment Station.

"All of those lead to success and, through that success, other companies are coming to us," said Kevin Kephart, director of the station.He pointed to research into renewable agricultural-based energy as an area that could work in such an environment. For instance, state legislators this year agreed that the station should be able to spend a $2.9 million federal grant to build a system that would turn cow manure into methane gas that could be sold or used to make electricity.

The research park idea already has solid support - both from member organizations of the Growth Partnership and $100,000 in state funding arranged by Gov. Mike Rounds. As soon as the money is available, a full-time director will be hired to carry the plan forward.

There is no guarantee this would work, and certainly it's a long-term project."I probably won't be here to see that first million (dollars)," Miller said. . . .

So starting from scratch means challenges.

But SDSU already has a start, because of the resources in place and the Agricultural Experiment Station.And if successful, it could change the economy of southeast South Dakota - creating a technology corridor right along Interstate 29 . . .

Many, many questions have to be answered. Before any dollars are committed, for instance, we need to have a clear assessment - reality-based - of the benefits.And we shouldn't be impatient. We're only in the beginning stages of a long process.

But the idea, at least, is solid and exciting.



Go State! ;D

[SDSUFAN]

Re: New research park in Brookings?

The research park will greatly compliment our D1 athletic program and visa versa. I think the Argus Leader is right on in their editoral. Its going to take time and to  have a plan on the horizon is much better than no plan or no vision at all.