The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) presented the Purdue
Research Park with the inaugural Creating the Culture of Innovation
Award last Dec. 1 during its 2011 Annual Awards of Excellence program.
The award recognizes Purdue Research Park as a community contributor to
high-tech economic development, job creation and improved quality of
life. The award was announced as part of AURP’s annual conference in New
Orleans. With 725 acres and nearly 160 companies, Purdue Research Park
of West Lafayette is the largest university-affiliated incubation
complex in the country.
“The Association of University Research Parks is an international
organization led by professionals in the arena of university-affiliated
research parks, and we have been fortunate to be recognized by them as
the top research park in the country and as an innovation winner.” –
Joseph B. Hornett senior vice president, treasurer and COO
Purdue Research Foundation
“This esteemed recognition by our peers is a tribute to the
continued growth and development of the Purdue Research Park network,” he said.
In addition to West Lafayette, Purdue Research Park has established a
park in three other Indiana locations: Indianapolis, Merrillville and
New Albany.
The park has about 215 companies and more than
4,000 employees, making it one of the largest private employers in
Indiana. Individuals working in the park network earn an average annual
wage of $ 63,000, which is 65 percent greater than the Indiana annual
average and 45 percent greater than the national annual average wage.
The recognition is in conjunction with the Purdue Research Park’s 50th
anniversary. An independent study reports that the Purdue Research Park
has an annual $ 1.3 billion impact on the state of Indiana’s economy.
“We created this special award as a way to recognize research parks that
have stood the test of time and continued to perform successfully over
the years by fostering startups, creating jobs and supporting our
economy.” – Harold Strong the 2011 AURP president
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