Association of University Research Parks Praises 'America COMPETES Act'; Leaders Applaud Government Support of Research and Innovation
DATELINE: WASHINGTON March 16
WASHINGTON, March 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) today applauded the recent introduction of the America COMPETES Act in the U.S. Senate. While meeting in Washington for the annual AURP Washington Summit, AURP President Austin Beggs called the legislation "a major measure of support for research parks and their constituents across the country."
"This legislation underscores the innovative work being done in research parks around the country and lays the groundwork for the financial and educational support needed to ensure the continuity of this work," Beggs said. "The new developments that spring from research parks are leading contributors to U.S. competitiveness in the global economy."
The American COMPETES Act is a response to the recommendations contained in the National Academies' "Rising Above the Gathering Storm" report. The legislation focuses on three key areas: Increasing research investment; strengthening educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics from elementary through graduate school; and developing a national innovation infrastructure.
"For more than 20 years, AURP has brought together creative people in universities, industry and government to develop technologies that have changed the way people live all around the world," Beggs said. "We are thrilled that our legislators are recognizing the importance of research and development and are making innovation a priority."
The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) is an international trade association representing 350 members and associate members in the university research park industry. AURP's membership is comprised of planned and operating research parks around the world, as well as a variety of university, governmental, not-for-profit and private organizations interested in the development and operation of technology projects and programs. The AURP headquarters is located in Reston, VA, outside of Washington, DC. For more information about AURP, visit http://www.aurp.net/ .
CONTACT: William Drohan, Executive Director of the Association of
University Research Parks, +1-703-234-4088, info@aurp.net
Web site: http://www.aurp.net/
SOURCE Association of University Research Parks