PSU selects planning consultant for research park

  Monday, January 25, 2016 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

In July of 2015, Pittsburg State University was awarded a $330,000 grant from the Economic Development Administrations (EDA) Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIS) to explore the feasibility of expanding Pittsburg’s current science and research park.

Today, the university announced it has selected TEConomy Partners as its planning consultant for the project, which, it believes, holds great potential for the entire region.

“We received a number of quality proposals,” said Shawn Nacarrato, executive director of PSU’s Center for Innovation and Business Development. “TEConomy Partners quickly distinguished themselves through the detail and professionalism of their presentation. We’re confident in their abilities and optimistic about the future of this project.”

The Ohio-based company has a 25-year track record of helping universities throughout the world plan and implement strategies for research parks. They also serve as the economic and technology policy adviser to the Association of University Research Parks.

“TEConomy Partners is excited to be working on behalf of Pittsburg State University and key stakeholders in the region,” said Simon Tripp, principal and senior director of TEConomy Partners. “It’s clear to us that Pittsburg State ‘gets it’ when it comes to the importance of leveraging unique university capabilities to foster innovation, new business development and entrepreneurship.”

TEConomy will receive architectural support for this project from Flad Architects. The Wisconsin-based company is a leader in planning and designing science parks, research parks and advanced R&D facilities. Together, they will help the university complete a detailed feasibility and planning study for the potential research park expansion at Pittsburg State. This plan will be used to help attract investments for future construction.

“As with any project, you need a detailed plan before you can move forward,” said Nacarrato. “Investors, whether private or public grants, want to know that you’ve taken the time to fully study the situation and that you have community support. This is an important step forward for our community and our region.”