I recently published the first International Case Study report for the London-Stansted-Cambridge-Corridor-Growth-Commission. This case study is on the Globally renowned “Triangle” area of North Carolina, which has experienced a collaboration between three universities, businesses and multiple local government jurisdictions to create one of the most competitive and dynamic R&D and technology based regions in the world.
Through these case studies we hope to learn what might drive further growth and prosperity in the London-Stansted-Cambridge Corridor and understand what kinds of priorities and actions might be sensible to consider as a basis for collaboration going forward. You can download the full report here.
What did we learn? that ambitious initiatives and collaborations can succeed across different local government jurisdictions. To do this they need leadership and a long-term view. We’ve been impressed by some of the big developments and initiatives which have been achieved due to the scale and depth of collaboration – whether this has been in establishing entrepreneurial support, a transport authority, or co-locating university researchers with businesses. Finally, The Triangle has faced its challenges and barriers and put in place actions, initiatives and governance/delivery vehicles to address them. Forward looking, pragmatic and united, in other words.
A summary of the key insights and lessons
Transformation into leading global tech region. Since the late 1950s, the economy of North Carolina’s Research Triangle has been transformed from one dependent on agriculture and textiles to one driven by knowledge-based jobs in technology, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals.
Founded in collaboration to deliver the USA’s biggest technology research and science park. The Triangle is home to the Research Triangle Park (RTP). Founded in 1959, this cross-boundary 7,000-acre science park is the largest and leading high technology research and science park in North America.
High ranking for business friendly, high tech and as a place to live. Eighth of 125 global regions (World Knowledge Competitive Index); First place in the US to live and work (Employment Review); First place for business climate (Site Selection); First place for biotechnology (Milken Institute); First place for High-Tech Region (Silicon Valley Leadership Group); First place for Best Place for Business & Careers (Forbes); First place for Best Place to Live in the U.S. (Msnbc.com); First place for Pro-Business State (Pollina Corporate Real Estate Inc.)
Bold, ambitious strategy achieved and delivered through effective cross-boundary collaboration. A major collaborative venture was formed between the three universities, around the development of a major new asset – a science park. Initiatives of scale and scope were developed, such as the Council for Entrepreneurial Development – serving the Triangle ‘region’
Use of physical solutions to stimulate greater university-business interaction. The Centennial Campus created space and premises for co-location and co-production between researchers, students, universities and business. The key aim was to erode divisions between the university and business.
Collaborative regional delivery bodies including a regional partnership and public transport authority. The Research Triangle Regional Partnership (RTRP) is a business-driven, public-private partnership whose 2004 strategy delivered 110,000 new jobs. GoTriangle, the public transport authority delivers a range of flexible public transport solutions and is planning a 17.1-mile light rail route.
