What great thing can we do together?

IntroductIon .......2 Summary ...................3 tour StopS ............4 themeS .....................28 topIcS ........................32 reconnect ............33 reImagIne .............34 redevelop .............35 IdeaS ...........................39 actIon .......................40 preSS .........................41 StorIeS ....................42 InSpIratIon .........43 gratItude .............44

IntroductIon

The Research Triangle Foundation wants to revitalize the Park to serve all of North Carolina in a changing economy. The Pathways to Opportunity tour was our first step. We heard from communities across the state that people want to see RTP do something big something that connects all of North Carolina and makes a global impact.
The next step is to build it. Were going to convene people in RTP, connect North Carolina through an online community network, and build an innovative community for sharing new ideas.

Executive Summary
The Research Triangle Park started out as a bold idea, a vision from North Carolinas leaders for the future of a struggling state.
Over the last fifty years, the businesses, universities, and civic leaders who believed in RTP overcame daunting obstacles to make North Carolina a global leader. Today, RTP is home to more than 170 companies that employ more than 40,000 people. Its success helps improve access to education and jobs, creating opportunities for people across North Carolina to improve their quality of life. But our state faces new challenges. Rising international competition and a changing economy threaten to once again leave North Carolina businesses and workers behind. Against this backdrop, RTP needs to ReConnect with North Carolina so we can ReImagine our future and ultimately ReDevelop the Park to lead North Carolina in the innovation economy. The Pathways to Opportunity tour was RTPs first step toward ReConnecting with the state it serves. On the tour, we found citizens and leaders collaborating on innovative programs to ReDevelop their communities. We also found a state eager to partner with RTP to ReImagine our future. In Asheville, for example, leaders cautioned us: Dont think small. RTP is our connection to the world. You are better positioned than anyone else to help us leverage the excitement in our region to become successful with businesses, leaders, and media from around the world. This year, we will act on the ideas we heard and the expectations North Carolina has for RTP. Together with partners in business, academia, and government, we will ReDevelop the Park to be an innovation economy leader and the partner North Carolina needs:

Summary

RTP WIll Be A CONveNeR

We will bring leaders together from around the state in economic development meetings that fosters collaboration and innovation.

RTP WIll Be A CONNeCTOR

We will create an open, online network that shares information and invites conversation, connecting our community to work together for North Carolina.

RTP WIll Be A CATAlYsT

The Park will foster a community for innovation that shares new ideas and inspires its partners helping all of North Carolina build pathways to opportunity. On our trip across the state, RTP ReConnected with passionate, generous people working hard for their future and the futures of their communities. Were grateful to all the people who made the tour happen, and to our hosts who inspired us with their innovative and successful work to ReImagine their futures. We look forward to continuing to ReConnect with North Carolina in the coming months as we work together to ReDevelop RTP. We hope all of North Carolina will join us in responding to the call we heard in Asheville and every community we visited: Go big. Think big. Do big things. We need that kind of spirit now.

tour

RTP traveled around the state to reconnect with North Carolina. We heard your stories, learned from your ideas, and are working together to create our shared future.
We joined conversations in person, on social media, and at ReImagineNC.com to start a lasting dialogue about the future of our state. Community colleges showed us how North Carolina is responding to a rapidly changing economy. Local leaders told us how RTP could support their work on economic development to provide more opportunities for their citizens. The next two pages provide an overview of the tour. Next, the report will describe what we saw and heard at each tour stop in more detail.

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Master Plan Launch

RTP HEadquaRTERS leaders from the Triangle and state joined us to hear about a new master Plan for RTP the culmination of years of research and strategy for becoming more competitive in todays innovation economy.

Raleigh
NC MuSEuM of NaTuRaL SCIENCE Kicking off the Pathways to Opportunity bus tour, speakers Governor Bev Perdue, Bob Ingram, Bob Geolas, and madhu Beriwal told us about their experiences with RTP and the role the Park plays in NC.

Greensboro
NC a&T North Carolinas A&T University serves as the hub of innovation in Greensboro. Its work in sTem education, Nanoscience, and Nanoengineering boosts the economy of the entire Triad.

tour StopS

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Sanford
CENTRaL CaRoLINa CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE Companies like Caterpillar partner with CCCC and lee County schools to train workers in advanced manufacturing a fast-moving field that could jump start communities.

asheboro
RaNdoLPH CouNTY CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE Programs like RCCs vocational training, college transfer, and economic and workforce development are helping the community adapt, and keeping the County competitive.

Winston-Salem
foRSYTH TECH Forsyth Tech works with local businesses to train citizens for jobs and careers in 21st-century industries from biotechnology to global logistics.

Boone
aPPaLaCHIaN STaTE uNIVERSITY Boone has a tight community and a strong sense of place. AsU is working to keep graduates local by attracting companies that specialize in climate change and health.

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Hickory
CaTaWBa VaLLEY CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE CvCC boosts community, boosts manufacturing, and finds solutions that create jobs through its manufacturing solutions Center.

asheville
aSHEVILLE EVENT CENTER At a dinner reception with Ashevilles Chamber of Commerce, local leaders told us, RTP is our connection to the world, so go big. Think big. Do big things.

Lenoir
CaLdWELL CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE We heard from students and faculty about how the Caldwell Community College is focusing on jobs that help the region recover from the global recession.

Charlotte
CENTRaL PIEdMoNT CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE CPCC showed us their Advanced Technology Center a facility that helps the college partner with leading German Companies to embrace robotics and 3D printing.

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Raleigh
WaKE TECH Wake Tech is building a new campus near RTP! We heard their plans for strengthening our partnership, including a joint research venture to provide companies and entrepreneurs current information on the economy.

durham
NC CENTRaL The nations first public liberal arts college founded for AfricanAmericans, NC Central is supporting Durhams entrepreneurship boom, with BRITe, a research program.

Rocky Mount
NaSH CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE, BRoWN audIToRIuM In Rocky mount, NCC and the Carolina Gateways Partnership developed a new economic model to promote development in rural areas: Corridors of Innovation.

tour StopS

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Elizabeth City
ELIZaBETH CITY STaTE uNIVERSITY eCsU trains students to work in industries associated with RTP. Partnerships with UNC-Chapel Hill, RDU airport, and local businesses help elizabeth City connect with the Triangle and boost prosperity.

Washington
BEaufoRT CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE Beaufort Community College is forging connections with the rest of North Carolina and investing in advanced manufacturing to keep Beaufort County globally competitive.

Winterville
PITT CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE/ECu PCC has built powerful partnerships with local businesses. PCC knows what academic programs will make their students the most valuable and local businesses get educated workers trained in exactly the skills they need.

Kinston
LENoIR CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE Downtown Kinston may soon become a poster child for community-driven redevelopment. Kinston is working to reduce rural poverty, recruit business, and revitalize downtown attracting young, creative workers.

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Wilmington
uNC WILMINGToN UNC-Wilmington has a strong sense of local pride and responsibility. The university invests in health, technology, education, and economic development programs that serve all of southeastern North Carolina.

fayetteville
faYETTEVILLE TECHNICaL CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE Fayetteville leaders discussed disruptive ways to build partnerships. The region is working toward connectivity, global networks, and pathways to opportunity for veterans.

Pembroke
uNC PEMBRoKE UNCP provides education and public service for the region and the lumbee Native American Tribe. Faculty want to create a living lab for pioneering solutions to poverty, lack of technology, and rural health.

Pinehurst
SaNdHILLS CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE sandhills Community College in Pinehurst wants to serve as a hub and an example for rural innovation... RTP can provide inspiration and mentorship to help us achieve that goal.

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an introduction to RTPs new Master Plan

In 2010, RTP partnered with Cooper, Robertson &Partners, an architecture an urban design firm, to create a new master Plan. Our hope is for that master Plan to change not only our physical landscape but the way we do business. On November 9, RTP joined community leaders in the Triangle region to unveil that plan.

rtp

GOAls FOR THe mAsTeR PlAN:

eCONOmIC GOAls > Retain existing firms:continue serving our key partners > Continue to draw large companies:drive regional employment and brand the Park as a world-class research destination > Attract a broader range of tenant companies: include smaller, entrepreneurial groups that are growing in the innovation economy INNOvATION GOAls > strengthen connections between companies and universities: shared space and amenities encourage collaboration > support corporate research: help respond to timely opportunities > Create and retain more start-ups: provide opportunities to grow sUsTAINABIlITY GOAls > Continue to support environmentally sustainable practices: cultivate RTPs reputation as a model of sustainability

This is a place driven by human talent, organized into the great talent of companies. And if you dont have a place that talent wants to be, a place that talent enjoys being, where their creativity can be brought to bear, we will not continue to grow as we have in the last fifty years.
John Alschuler, Chairman of HR&A Advisors

WHAT DOes All THIs meAN FOR NORTH CAROlINA?

The way people work has changed since the Park was built over 50 years ago. Todays workers dont want secluded, secretive office space instead, they need coffee shops, community, and collaboration. so were ReDeveloping RTP to become a research park that serves todays innovators and entrepreneurs. It will become a new hub for creativity and economic growth. most important, it will continue to strengthen universities, create 21stcentury jobs, and help all of North Carolina find Pathways to Opportunity.

HIGHlIGHTs FROm THe TOURs sTOP IN RAleIGH:

The Tour kick-off

We kicked off the Pathways to opportunity tour at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences.
museum Director Betsy Bennet told us, some people think of the Research Triangle Park as a place. I think of it as a bold idea. We are stretching the limits of our state to meet the worlds challenges.

raleIgh

NeARlY 100 lOCAl leADeRs JOINeD THe eveNT AND DIsCUsseD HOW We CAN BUIlD THe FUTURe OF NORTH CAROlINA.
Bob Geolas, President of RTP, set the stage for the dialogue we continued throughout the tour: We want to hear stories and perspectives from people across North Carolina. We want to hear about the challenges they face and the opportunities that excite them. We want to talk about what we can do together. madhu Beriwal, CeO of Iem, told us she chose to move her knowledgebased company to the Triangle because of our people and leadership. she called on North Carolina to consider new industries and to invest in our human capital. Geolas shared his own story: I know from my own life how a bold idea like the Park can change peoples lives. When I was growing up in Raleigh, my dad would drive us out to RTP, which was just beginning to catch on. He told us that the Park could change our lives. It changed his: He got a better job working for a company there. It changed mine because of what happened to my Dad. I was able to go to N.C. state and get the education I needed. The Park helped to change the economic life of our entire state. That was the Parks original mission: not just to develop our 7,000 acres of land, but to improve quality of life for all North Carolinians.

HIGHlIGHTs FROm THe TOURs sTOP IN GReeNsBORO:

North Carolina a&T: Embracing our past, creating our future

Our first stop on the tour was the North Carolina A&T campus in Greensboro. A&T has a proud history of progress, research, and excellence. A&T is a hub of innovation in the area, focused on boosting the economy of the entire Triad. We were greeted by Chancellor Harold martin and a number of senior A&T staff, who walked us through A&Ts 120-year history as a land grant university. A&T also has partnerships with Action Greensboro, UNC Greensboro, Guilford County, and local business leaders. That sort of collaboration guided the Parks creation, and were excited to see it at work in other parts of the state. We were given a tour of the entire campus, including a moving visit to the Greensboro Four statue. We were told the story of North Carolina A&T students and civil rights activists, Joseph mcNeil, Franklin mcCain, ezell Blair, Jr., and David Richmond. The courage that motivated them to sit down at Woolworths counter and order coffee moved North Carolina into the civil rights movement, and their sense of public service still guides A&T. We heard from students in the sTem early college and middle college programs that partner with A&T.

greenSboro

THe sTUDeNTs WeRe INsPIRING FAsCINATeD BY eNGINeeRING, mATH, AND sCIeNCe AND AsPIRING TOWARD FIelDs lIKe meDICINe AND ReseARCH.
NC A&T embodies North Carolinas Can Do spirit, a spirit that calls on all of us to roll up our sleeves and work together for the good of our state.

> successful innovation with sTem early and middle Colleges. > Partnerships, period. The Joint school of Nanotechnology is a landmark example of the work. > A&T has had breakthroughs and showcased innovation through successful research and development that has lead to a number of patents.

HIGHlIGHTs FROm THe TOURs sTOP IN sANFORD:

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Lee County: Where Things are Made

Dr. Bud marchant, President of Central Carolina Community College, welcomed us to sanford with a proud proclamation: Welcome to lee County where things are made! Dr. marchant showed us his schools Caterpillar Apprentice Program, one of the two largest apprentice programs in North Carolina. Caterpillars program, along with a leading machining program, is helping prepare students for North Carolinas future in advanced manufacturing.

Sanford

DR. mARCHANT TOlD Us, THIs IsNT YOUR PAReNTs mANUFACTURING, ITs THe mANUFACTURING THAT WIll DRIve OUR sTATes eCONOmIC FUTURe.
We also met mr. Andre mapps, who reminded us that our desire to help others is often our greatest motivator and asset. mapps is responsible for community and economic development at CCCC but he is clearly passionate about his job, his students, and the people he gets to work with every day. His commitment to his community was inspiring. mr. mapp wakes up every morning with an extremely important goal at the forefront of his mind: helping the underemployed and unemployed find new pathways to jobs through education. For mr. mapp, this work is a passion; he is dedicated to inspiring people who want to improve their quality of life, better their families, and strengthen their communities. mr. mapps job takes time, patience, and a sincere desire to do good for others. He is an inspiration and a testament to our states generosity of spirit: > The CCCC partnership with Caterpillar has lead to one of the largest apprenticeship programs in North Carolina. > CCCC has a widely touted, recognized chef program with a focus on locally grown, natural food. The program provides food for a cafe on campus which grants students real world experience. > Home to a Confucius Classroom.

NORTH CAROlINIANs WANT TO HelP eACH OTHeR AND WORK TOGeTHeR TO lIFT OUR sTATe.

HIGHlIGHTs FROm THe TOURs sTOP IN AsHeBORO:

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The economy and Randolph County changed. RCC changed too.

Dr. shackleford of the Randolph County Community College welcomed us in Asheboro, along with mayor David smith, senator Jerry Tillman, members of the Board of Trustees, and others. Dr. shackleford noted that RCC, founded september 4th, 1962, is barely younger than RTP. He gave us a glimpse of the history of the community college system an endorsement that resonated with RTPs choice to visit so many community colleges on the Pathways to Opportunity tour: Community colleges began as vocational schools because everybody couldnt afford to go off and spend four years at a college. This was during a period in North Carolina history when education was considered optional, and people could find stable jobs regardless. An old history test in NC asked for three words to describe our economy: Textiles. Furniture. Tobacco. As the economy changed, North Carolina realized that we had to change as well. education is no longer optional and this shift created the three-legged stool that makes up todays community college: > vocational programs > College transfer > economic and workforce development RCC joined a chorus we heard around the state:

aSheboro

> The RCC 2+2 program is a success as they place students in four year institutions ready to succeed. Transfer students to High Point University boast higher average GPAs than students who originally enrolled at High Point. > RCC showcases their flexibility and responsiveness in their partnerships with the Chamber, economic Developers and local businesses. > Customized training allows them to create a highly skilled workforce to meet the demands of new industries, changing businesses and more.

NORTH CAROlINA HAs CHANGeD, OUR TOWNs ARe CHANGING, AND leADeRs ARe TAKING ResPONsIBIlITY FOR THeIR COmmUNITIes.

HIGHlIGHTs FROm THe TOURs sTOP IN WINsTON-sAlem:

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Meeting a communitys aspirations

RTP and Winston-salem have a common history and common hopes for a shared future. In Winston-salem, we learned how Forsyth Tech and the Piedmont Triad Research Park are helping North Carolina recover from recession and respond to a changing economy. Dr. Gary Green, President of Forsyth Tech, told us, We are successfully training and retraining people for new economy jobs and careers in: > biotechnology > nanotechnology > digital design > advanced manufacturing These industries hint at how Winston-salem and RTP overlap today, but we learned that we have more in common than economics. Bob leak of Winston-salem Business, Inc told us, Winston-salem and RTPs progress have often been wrapped together. > clinical health > global logistics > regulatory compliance

WInStonSalem

We HAve A COmmON HIsTORY AND I BelIeve THAT We HAve A COmmON FUTURe.

Piedmont Triad Research Park is working toward that future. eric Tomlinson, the Parks President, told us his team has embraced the spirit of collaboration. The Piedmont Triad Research Park is partnering with Wake Forest University, local companies, and local government. Together, they rehabilitate former Reynolds Tobacco spaces, recruit data centers, invest in advanced manufacturing, and build a reputation in IT and cyber security. To us, the Triads most inspiring work is in redevelopment, where the Research Park, Forsyth Tech, and their partners are engaging the entire community to chart a path forward.

> Forsyth Tech responds to a changing economy through training and retraining programs. > They have partnered with microsoft, Cicso and others to create a National Certification in Information Technology. > They are piloting a national skills certification with the National Center for Biotech.

HIGHlIGHTs FROm THe TOURs sTOP IN BOONe:

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appalachian State is making a difference

We traveled into the mountains of North Carolina to visit Appalachian state University. It was 30 degrees and felt much colder as we drove into Boone, but the atmosphere was warm and full of energy inside of the Athletics Center overlooking Kidd Brewer stadium. leaders from Boone and AsU welcomed us, and mike steinbeck, Chairman of the AsU Board of Trustees, kicked off our discussion. He told us it was refreshing to see RTPventure outside the Triangle to reach communities around the state. Chancellor Kenneth Peacock followed mr. steinbeck and explained Appalachians vision to change lives and change the world. Appalachian graduates leave our campus transformed. Theyre prepared to think, lead, and make a difference wherever they go in the world. We heard from other distinguished faculty members about the impressive research AsU has undertaken in climate science, health, and the human body. But the most moving story we heard at Appalachian was from the youngest person in the room. Cameron Carswell is an Appalacian student and president of the UNCsystem Association of student Governments. Her moving speech reminded us all the that an excellent education has the power to transform lives. she inspired us to increase collaboration between the RTP and schools like Appalachian. As we said goodbye, Chairman steinbeck affirmed our mission and spoke to Appalachians success: Your theme of Pathways to Opportunity resonates here. We at AsU are working ever day to make sure that members of our community have the opportunity to succeed. > AsU has an edible schoolyard: a half-acre dedicated to teaching students how to grow food, appreciate nature and build community. > AsU has partnerships to expand its reach beyond the mountains including the museum of Natural sciences and research parks throughout the state. > AsU is 3rd in the UNC system for number of students studying abroad.

boone

HIGHlIGHTs FROm THe TOURs sTOP IN HICKORY:

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The Manufacturing Solutions Center: Changing the unifour with selflessness

At the kickoff luncheon that began the Pathways to Opportunity tour, RTP President Bob Geolas told our local community, Our state is destined to accomplish great things because we have a Can Do spirit. We found that Can Do spirit incarnate in Dan st. louis, Director of the manufacturing solutions Center in Conover, North Carolina. mr. st. louis offered us a warm welcome and explained the philosophy behind the manufacturing solutions Center: We dont need credit for the successes of the experiments we run, or for what it means to manufacturing. We just want to boost our community, boost manufacturing, and find solutions that create jobs. We know that no white horse is riding in to town to save us we have to do it ourselves. The selflessness exhibited by the project is right at home among the North Carolinians we met a group that wants to move our state forward regardless of who gets the credit. United Glove, a local company that employs 40 people, told us how their relationship with msC works: they call with a problem, and msC gets to work on a solution. Other times, msC will call United Glove with an idea that might launch a new product. It is easy to see that this relationship as one answer to how we create jobs, opportunity, and prosperity in North Carolina. msCs success provides inspiration for a big idea for North Carolina. They have created a $100,000,000 economic impact on the Unifour region (Hickory-lenoir-morganton) through flexibility, innovation, and results.

hIckory

> The manufacturing solutions Center has had over $100,000,000 in economic impact on the region. > The manufacturing solutions Center is a research and development center for national and international companies. > CvCCs valley sim Hospital is the newest and largest simulation medical center on the east Coast.

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ashevilles advice: dont think small

Asheville is an example of the changing North Carolina: more people relocate there every day, new businesses pop up weekly (excellent breweries among them), and the spirit of innovation is palpable. On Thursday, November 15 we traveled from Conover to Asheville, the farthest stop on the tour. 230 miles from home, we joined local leaders for a reception with the Chamber of Commerce. What we found surprised us and set the tone for the rest of the trip. As dinner came to a close on our night in Asheville, civic leaders leaned over and cautioned the RTP team:

aShevIlle

DONT THINK smAll.

RTP is our connection to the world. You are better positioned than anyone else to help us leverage the excitement in our region with businesses, leaders, and media from around the world.

GO BIG. THINK BIG. DO BIG THINGs. We NeeD THAT KIND OF sPIRIT NOW.

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finding what works

Whether by educating a workforce to meet a rapidly changing economy, supporting businesses in an unfriendly investment climate, or enacting policies to drive down unemployment, North Carolinas communities are plowing ahead. In Caldwell County, we found a community that had banded together to work toward a familiar mission: > Providing academic programs and opportunities for students > supporting economic development > Improving quality of life in the Caldwell region. RTPs mission mirrors these goals, and we were eager to hear stories about how Caldwell Community College is accomplishing them. Here are a few of our favorite stories: Dr. Boham, President of Caldwell Community College, told us about Amelia Hawkins, a student who literally went from homelessness to Princeton. Deborah murray, head of the Caldwell County economic Development Commission and Caldwell 20/20, told us about programs that respond to the exodus of manufacturing jobs. Customized training for disenfranchised workers and the Caldwell Works! job fair helps people find employment after an industry leaves, and it creates the skilled workers that attract 21st-century industries. We also heard from a Caldwell Community College student. Chris Ryan graduated from high school and delivered furniture for a local trucking company that offered good pay and benefits. I thought it was my forever job, Chris told us; I thought Id retire from that company. Until it disappeared. Chris told us, I came back to Caldwell Community College because the more I learn, the better my chances are. I dont ever want that feeling of the rug being pulled out from under me again.

lenoIr

> CCC&TI has partnered with Caldwell County economic Development on Caldwell Works!, a job fair program, which has lead to hundreds of people being hired. They have also launched a unique fast track program to teach job hunters valuable skills. > CCC&TI increases access to education and opportunity through their highly rated early school, middle College, and Appalachian state University campus which would allow a student to graduate with a degree from Appalachian without ever leaving the campus of CCC&TI. > CCC&TI improves quality of life through community dinners, partnerships with Google, and other programs that allow them to serve as a hub for the community.

CAlDWell COUNTYs sTUDeNTs PeRseveReD THROUGH eCONOmIC HARDsHIP. THeY FOUND OPPORTUNITY WHeRe IT seemeD NONe COUlD exIsT. THeY ARe WORTHY OF PRAIse AND WORTHY OF sUPPORT.

HIGHlIGHTs FROm THe TOURs sTOP IN CHARlOTTe:

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Central Piedmont Embraces the future

RTPs original mission statement focused exclusively on Universities. Today we recognize that our educational partners are a much bigger family. Our three founding Universities will always be important allies, and were excited to create partnerships with more of our states leading educational institutions. After a few days on the road it was clear that any discussion around education and North Carolina must include community colleges. Charlotte proved once again that community colleges are on the cutting edge of new development in their communities. Central Piedmont Community College serves over 70,000 students in the Charlotte region more than many universities. Central Piedmont offers flexibility, a willingness to adapt traits that allow the community college to lead on economic development, personal development, and quality of life issues. We toured the Advanced Technology Center upon arrival and saw a 3D printer, a first for many of us. One of the professors shared how 3D printing might serve as a tool to unleash a creative revolution in our own homes. He handed us toys he had created from scratch using 3d printing, a unique manufacturing process. The conversation in Charlotte focused on how we could create connections between the Triangle and the Triad to benefit all of North Carolina. Despite a historical rivalry, it was clear from the roundtable discussion that many of the younger members of the audience were optimistic and felt a strong connection with the entire state of North Carolina. One member of the audience told us, Charlotte and the Triangle are the most prosperous regions of the state...

charlotte

> The Advanced Technology Center is a hub of innovation including 3D printing. > Central Piedmont has partnerships with siemens and others for the Advanced Technology Center. > Over 70,000 students attend Central Piedmont making it a true regional school.

IT Is OUR ResPONsIBIlITY TO WORK TOGeTHeR TO CReATe A CUlTURe OF eNTRePReNeURsHIP, TOGeTHeRNess, AND INNOvATION TO BeTTeR All OF NC.

HIGHlIGHTs FROm THe TOURs sTOP IN RAleIGH:

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Partnerships, cooperation, and collaboration at Wake Tech

Wake Tech serves over 60,000 full- or part-time students. As a close neighbor, Wake Tech has a growing connection to RTP and plans to open a new campus near RTP in a few years. They have also embraced the innovation economy in a major way by adding new programs including becoming the first community college to offer a degree in business analytics. Dr. scott, the President of Wake Tech, told us, Community colleges are essential to growing the economy. After all, we know that we must grow the economy from the middle in order to create opportunity, and that is our focus as an institution. more than two-thirds of Wake Tech students are part of its continuing education program, newly focused on entrepreneurship and small businesses. Wake Tech is partnering with the Chamber of Commerce and NC Department of Commerce as part of the process.

raleIgh

IN ORDeR TO GROW THe eCONOmY, WAKe TeCH TRACKs ClUsTeRs OF INNOvATION.

They find and uncover where jobs will be in the future then they train individuals for those industries and help place them in jobs immediately after they graduate. The result is a workforce trained to provide maximum value for todays businesses that means more job opportunities for graduates, and a more competitive regional economy. > Wake Tech is building an RTP campus focused on IT, analytics, and biotech. > Wake Tech tracks innovation clusters to identify the jobs of tomorrow based off of trends. The goal is to identify needs, train students to meet them, and then get them hired after graduation. > The Wake Tech Continuing education program is focused on entrepreneurship and small business. They have partnerships with the Chamber to expand the reach of the program.

HIGHlIGHTs FROm THe TOURs sTOP IN DURHAm:

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NC Central: What we can do, we ought to do together

Our visit to NC Central brought us to the schools Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology enterprise, known as BRITe. BRITe opened in 2008 to train new scientists and expand the states biotechnology industry. We heard from a number of scientists who work at BRITe. Jonathan sexton, a professor at NCCU, began the program by saying, I think whats unique about RTP is the critical density of companies and academic institutions. Professor sexton showed us some of the results of his research into fatty liver disease and Type II Diabetes. Other professors would show us a new kind of drug delivery technology and a concept for a carbon cylinder that allows objects to be measured at the scale of a nano.

durham

eACH PROFessOR TOlD Us THAT RTPs GlOBAl BRAND WOUlD GIve THem ADDITIONAl OPPORTUNITIes IF We WORK TOGeTHeR.
In order to turn discoveries into solutions, NC Central told us they needed additional support from corporations. Industry will be attracted by knowing that this kind of work is going on. The world is not going to come to us as they used to do. We have to find ways to promote the talents, activities, and dreams of NC Centrals students. Charles Becton, Interim Chancellor of North Carolina Central, impressed on all of us that our journey across the state, and our future partnerships, matter: RTP, please know that as you travel across North Carolina that we are with you. Know that our wishes and our dreams are riding with you every mile that you travel. > The BRITe - Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology enterprice Center is a showcase for the University and home to exciting work. > NC Central has had a number of fantastic discoveries on campus and with additional corporate support they could turn the research into products.

HIGHlIGHTs FROm THe TOURs sTOP IN ROCKY mOUNT:

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Meeting the demands of a changing economy

Nash Countys Community College President told us, Innovation exists everywhere, and it certainly exists in Nash County. We have over 240 partners driving collaboration just like the Research Triangle Park. We must work together to build that collaboration regionally and statewide. John Gessaman of the Carolinas Gateway Partnership told us, RTP is an icon for us all. We go around the country and around the world promoting our region, and were consistently asked, how close are you to RTP?

rocky mount

RTP DRIves OUR ReGIONAl eCONOmY, AND RTP mUsT WORK WITH Us IF We ARe TO FUlFIll OUR HOPes AND DReAms FOR THe AReA.
Gessaman called for a new focus on corridors of innovation, citing a Council on Competitiveness report that challenges economic developers to consider economic regions and corridors as the new model of economic development. For rural areas far from metropolitan centers, economic corridors can become a connection to the global economy, an avenue to compete. In Rocky mount, mayor David Combs told us, I commend you for getting out on the road. If we are to grow as a state, then we must work together. The world is changing and Rocky mount is changing with it. RTP President Bob Geolas agreed: RTP will only do as well as the rest of North Carolina. leaders in each community weve visited told us theyre not waiting for a white horse from Raleigh or Washington or New York City. Instead, theyre working on visioning projects and strategic plans to plot their own course forward. President Bill Carver, told us, This community college is at the crossroads literally and figuratively. We intersect two highways, but we also intersect a changing Nash County. > Nash Community College has more than 240 partnerships to expand the reach of the college. > Nash Community College partnerships extend to NC state and other institutions who accept transfer students. For example, students who graduate with an Associates Degree from Nash in selected fields are accepted into the school of engineering at NC state University. > They have launched a math Tank and english studio recently both are collaborative learning environments help students tackle challenging problems. since they launched, dropouts in certain programs have dropped by as much as 75%.

HIGHlIGHTs FROm THe TOURs sTOP IN elIzABeTH CITY:

21

Elizabeth City is learning to compete in the 21st century

The elizabeth City community told us their main challenge was learning to compete in the innovation economy.

elIzabeth cIty

THe 21sT-CeNTURY eCONOmY Is NeW TO mANY COmmUNITIes. We CANNOT eveN BeGIN TO COmPeTe IN A WORlD We DONT UNDeRsTAND.
We have to be able to find a way to identify the trends, challenges, and opportunities in every community including elizabeth City in order to boost economic prosperity around North Carolina. Chairman Rasheed, Joe Turner of the College of the Albemarle, and Chancellor Willie Gilchrist suggested that RTPs next big bet on our future should help eastern North Carolinas rural communities compete in the global economy. We loved their ideas about community showcases, faceto-face meetings, workshops, and an ongoing dialogue about what it means to adapt to the innovation economy. esCU is already working to make its students competitive. Its pharmacy program collaborates with UNC-Chapel Hill to provide remote education and lectures for students in elizabeth City. Its education building offers space for international students to phone home for free. Its aviation program trains pilots on realistic flight simulators. eCsUs aviation program underscored the regions connection to RTP. One of the instructors told us that without the growth of the Raleigh-Durham airport, eCsUs aviation program wouldnt be possible. elizabeth City inspired us by reminding us just how connected RTP is to North Carolina. > A unique pharmacy collaboration with UNC Chapel Hill allows students to graduate with a pharmacy degree without ever setting foot in Chapel Hill. > elizabeth City state University identifies industry needs and works to meet them one example is their highly rated aviation program.

ONe INsTRUCTOR TOlD Us, RTP Is OUR CONNeCTION TO THe WORlD. We NeeD YOU TO sUCCeeD IF We ARe GOING TO sUCCeeD.

HIGHlIGHTs FROm THe TOURs sTOP IN WAsHINGTON:

22

Washington wants to connect with North Carolina

In Beaufort, we found we werent the only ones interested in a dialogue about the future of North Carolina. Beaufort County Community Colleges President, Dr. Barbara Tansey, opened her remarks by telling us, We are thrilled that you are listening. One staff member put it more bluntly when she heard we were visiting, her first question was, You know we exist? We dont just know Beauforts community college exists, we now understand that BCCC is focused on building its economic future by connecting with the rest of the state, including RTP. Robert Heuts was the first to explain Beaufort Countys interest in building connections. mr. Heuts is the regions Director of economic Development and has traveled the world promoting Beaufort County. The people he met would often ask, Is North Carolina in the Research Triangle Park? mr. Heuts sees RTP as a lead change agent for North Carolinas economic growth. He liked the idea of investing in new ideas in the Park and suggested we start with the question, What idea can be created in the Research Triangle and built around North Carolina? And how can we connect entrepreneurs in Bath and little Washington with the rest of the state? BCCC professor and alumni matthew lincoln seconded the idea. He told us, the world no longer cares what you know, it cares about what you do with what you know. manufacturing changes every five years and we have to change with it.

WaShIngton

> Top notch manufacturing program. > The new nursing building is state of the art and will serve the health of the local community. > Beaufort Community College offers a model of community involvement and engagement.

We HAve TO BeCOme DOeRs AND We WANT TO BUIlD THe IDeAs THAT ARe CReATeD IN THe TRIANGle.

HIGHlIGHTs FROm THe TOURs sTOP IN WINTeRvIlle:

23

In Winterville, community colleges are first responders

We drove past farmland, creeks, and eastern Carolina University to arrive at Pitt Community College a beautiful campus nearly overflowing with students. Pitt Community College is yet another successful example of partnerships and collaboration.

WIntervIlle

As We WAlKeD THROUGH THe CONsTRUCTION lAB ONe RTP sTAFFeR AsKeD HOW THe COlleGe HAD BUIlT THese POWeRFUl PARTNeRsHIPs. THe ResPONse? PCCs leADeRsHIP sImPlY AsKeD COmPANIes TO JOIN THem.
PCCs matter-of-fact approach to creating opportunities for students and the community underscores the importance of community colleges in economic development. Community colleges are powerful because theyre on the ground floor of community development. They see and hear whats going on in their local communities so theyre the first responders to our changing economy. Along with North Carolinas leading universities, community colleges will be an important partner for RTP moving forward were both dedicated to helping North Carolina compete in the innovation economy. > Pitt Community College has developed partnerships with a number of industrial partners. When asked how they have accomplished this task the answer is always: We asked! > Pitt Community College has a program where students build homes from scratch and then sell them for revenue. In the process they both learn how to build their own portion but also how all of the pieces fit together to put together the house. > They build programs to meet local needs. The Chamber and economic Development Commission praise Pitt County Community College for their responsiveness and flexibility.

HIGHlIGHTs FROm THe TOURs sTOP IN KINsTON:

24

The Kinston, NC Redevelopment Story

One theme we consistently heard along the tour was that we cannot have two North Carolinas one featuring rich, urban cores and another comprised of rural poverty. In Kinston, we visited lenoir Community College, an organization fighting rural poverty by acting as a catalyst for Kinstons redevelopment. laura lee sylvester of the Kinston Chamber told us lCC was their best partner in recruiting business because of its flexibility and responsiveness.

kInSton

KINsTON sHAReD mANY IDeAs FOR ReDevelOPmeNT, INClUDING sPOTlIGHTING HIGH-ACHIevING sTUDeNTs FOR COmmUNITY leADeRs, FUNDING OPPORTUNITIes FOR sTUDeNTs THROUGH GRANTs, AND CONNeCTING sTUDeNTs WITH meNTORs.
While in Kinston, we were fortunate to visit mother earth Brewing, where we had an Aha! moment: we saw one of the best answers for how we redevelop a small town. The four-year-old craft brewery is locally owned, locally sourced, and powered by their community. In return, it is helping revitalize and redevelop the entire downtown community of 25,000 people in part by funding more than $2,000,000 in investments. mother earth Brewing is purchasing buildings that need some love and turning them into beautiful, authentic showcases. They just launched a taproom and a music venue called The Red Room. They are redeveloping buildings around them, including houses in the neighborhood where the Chairman grew up. In 2013, they plan to open multiple restaurants. The brewery lives and breathes the community the founders are from Kinston, and even the artwork on their labels is painted by the CeOs former art teacher, who lives in the area even now. North Carolinas state motto is to be, rather than to seem in a word, authenticity. mother earth Brewing living that motto by serving a catalyst for authentic development.

> mother earth Brewing is a fantastic example of how to redevelop a downtown area. They are soon to be leeD certified, they use local ingredients and sources when possible, and they have partnered with others in the area to launch new restaurants and a music venue to make downtown Kinston a more attractive location. > lenoir Community College has worked with the Chamber and economic Development Commission on the lenoir 20/20 strategic plan which focused on health care and manufacturing. lCC designs programs to meet the needs of the community in the economic development space.

HIGHlIGHTs FROm THe TOURs sTOP IN WIlmINGTON:

25

uNC Wilmington: a sense of place

The North Carolinians we met along the Pathways to Opportunity Tour expressed pride in North Carolina. It was especially strong at UNC Wilmington, where members of the faculty all expressed a common sense sentiment that Wilmington was a unique place with a unique responsibility to serve southeastern North Carolina. Bob Geolas told our hosts, When I was a child in North Carolina I believed we had a destiny. RTP was being built with private money and a public promise. Our universities were growing and our community college system had just been launched. I still feel that same sense of destiny today. In Wilmington, as in many other communities, we saw heads nodding in agreement. UNC-Ws vision is to do well as a university by doing good with its neighboring communities. several faculty members spoke with us about programs designed to improve economic growth and quality of life in the communities that surround the school. Charlie Hardy, Dean of UNC-Ws new College of Health and Human services, told us the college strives to be of southeastern North Carolina by creating solutions to health problems in nearby communities. The communities identify their own challenges and work with the College to respond to them an inspiring form of grassroots collaboration. The CResT Research Park is another program working with the school for the good of the region. CResT rallies established companies and start-ups to connect biotechnology to product development in the health, food, and energy sectors.

WIlmIngton

UNC-W HAs A TIGHT RelATIONsHIPs WITH ITs COmmUNITIes AND ITs ON THe FRONT lINes IN ResPONDING TO THe CHAlleNGes ITs ReGION FACes IN HeAlTH, eCONOmIC GROWTH, TeCHNOlOGY, eDUCATION.

> UNC Wilmington strives to serve all of southeastern North Carolina through a unique focus on a sense of place. The new school of Health and Human services believes that they can serve all twenty-two surrounding counties and improve regional health as part of their mission. > The CResT seeks partnerships with established companies and startups in order to connect biotech to product development in health, food, and energy.

HIGHlIGHTs FROm THe TOURs sTOP IN FAYeTTevIlle:

26

fayetteville is looking for disruptive ideas

Bob Geolas set the stage at the Tony Rand student Center at Fayetteville Tech. His introduction went straight to the need for a Big Idea for North Carolina: RTP was a big bet for North Carolina at a time when North Carolina needed to place bets on our future. We believe that we need a similar resolve today. so far, we had heard that the Big Idea needs to: > Include education > Help us compete in a changing, global economy and to help us meet the competition we face today > Benefit all people of North Carolina Our hosts in Fayetteville jumped in with ideas. One participant pointed to a lack of connectivity and suggested that universal broadband would help level the playing field. Another community leader told us she saw RTP as North Carolinas connection to the world. she suggested that RTP provide insight on global trends and mentor communities around the state to help them compete in todays economy. Fayetteville Tech serves a large military population including soldiers and their families so it was no surprise that much of the discussion centered around how RTP, Fayetteville Tech, and other North Carolina institutions could best serve the veteran population. We know his is an intelligent, highly trained, and disciplined community how can we provide them with pathways to opportunity in a way that helps the entire state?

fayettevIlle

mOsT IDeAs We HeARD IN FAYeTTevIlle CeNTeReD AROUND ImPROvING COllABORATION AND PARTNeRsHIPs.
One faculty member asked, Can we disrupt the way we partner together? We cant afford to go small today we have to go big.

> Fayetteville Tech has a focus on helping to place veterans in innovation industries as they leave the service.

HIGHlIGHTs FROm THe TOURs sTOP IN PemBROKe:

27

uNC Pembroke: a Home for Big Ideas

For the last 125 years UNC-Pembroke has served the entire sandhills region through education and public service. Chancellor Kyle Carter told us, We are known for efficient spending and innovating with our resources. Our students perform at high levels, come from the entire sandhills region, and love North Carolina. most exciting, our students today tell us we are an institution of choice. Cherry Beasley, a professor at UNC-P, spoke about the value the institution places on communities. Professor Beasley suggested that RTP view eastern North Carolina as a living lab where the problems of poverty, lack of technology, and rural health could be tackled head-on. Chancellor Carter and the UNC-P staff discussed several ideas to launch the living lab partnership. For example, > Can technology boost rural health and healthy choices? > UNC-P is partnering with the smithsonian to launch a landmark institution: a Center for southeastern Native American History and Research. Could RTP partner with them to extend the benefits of the center? > UNCP agrees with Fayetteville Tech and the rest of the sandhills region that we must develop a big idea to serve returning veterans. Could RTP help find ways to spotlight veterans? > UNCP is working on an entrepreneurial incubator to boost surrounding communities. Could RTP partner with the incubator to provide mentorship to those companies? > Distance from key institutions in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Washington D.C. is a challenge for rural universities. How do we use new technology and collaboration to shorten that distance and increase pathways to opportunity? > UNC Pembroke focuses on building connections in the region. They are working on an entrepreneurial incubator focused on lumberton and programs to help place veterans into jobs. > UNC Pembroke doesnt have to convince their students to care about the area over 95% of their students are from North Carolina. > UNC Pembroke recently built a new school of Nursing. It is a beautiful, environmentally friendly, state of the art building which produces graduates who serve the regions growing health needs.

pembroke

PROFessOR BeAsleY CAPTUReD THe sPIRIT OF THese IDeAs PeRFeCTlY: IF We sOlve THe PROBlems FACING OUR ReGION AND CReATe mORe OPPORTUNITIes, We WIll HAve OFFeReD A mODel TO THe WORlD WHIle HelPING mIllIONs OF PeOPle. WHAT COUlD Be BeTTeR?

HIGHlIGHTs FROm THe TOURs sTOP IN PINeHURsT:

28

Sandhills Community College is working to move Moore forward

As we pulled in to sandhills Community College on our final stop of the Pathways to Opportunity Tour, we found a remarkably beautiful campus, bursting at the seams with big ideas and ambition. A faculty member opened the event by saying, We love the name of your tour. We believe that it poses a big question to all of us what pathways to opportunity are we creating in our own community? Ideas flowed from there. We heard about fundraising mechanisms to inspire companies to invest in North Carolina for social good. One of our favorites took inspiration from P.T. Barnum: RTP could launch a Big Top for Innovation that travels the state to inspire action. We also heard a presentation from moore County economic Development Director Pat Corso. He showed the audience how sandhills Community College was serving as a catalyst for economic development in moore County. Corso told us, moore County is thought of as a quaint and charming place, which we are but we want to create an environment of innovation.

pInehurSt

We ARe NATURAllY A GReAT COmmUNITY, sO We KNOW We CAN KeeP OUR CHIlDReN IN THe AReA IF We GIve THem OPPORTUNITIes.
We are launching moore Forward - an entrepreneurial hub similar to Bull City Forward - to create homegrown companies to keep our talent here. Corso closed by saying, We want to serve as a hub and an example for rural communities in the startup space. entrepreneurs and an atmosphere of discovery are key to the future health of our community. If RTP can provide inspiration and mentorship to help us achieve that goal, then that is the big idea for our town.

> sandhills has partnered with other entities to launch moore Forward an entrepreneurial incubator that they hope will serve as a model for rural communities on how to launch a startup culture. > The Reid Heart Center in Pinehurst is a public/private partnership that is helping to improve the quality of life and medical care in the area. > sandhills Community College serves as a community hub through programming that serves the entire population of the area.

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themeS

The Pathways to Opportunity tour showed us that communities around the state are all working toward the mission we share: creating jobs, providing access to education, and improving quality of life. North Carolina is fostering collaboration and promoting innovation to benefit its citizens.

30

themeS

Here are some of the recurring themes we heard in the Pathways to opportunity tour:

RTP Is NCs CONNeCTION TO THe WORlD

RTP established NC as a global leader in innovation, research & development. The Parks experience can help other areas adapt to a changing economic environment.

NORTH CAROlINA WANTs TO see RTP

Communities repeatedly told us they were glad that RTP came to them. They want to continue a relationship with RTP online and in person that features ongoing dialogue, knowledge sharing, and mentorship.

NCs leADeRsHIP mATTeRs

We were honored to meet leaders from business, government, academia, and the civil sector these people are working from passion and commitment to lead their communities forward.

COmmUNITIes ARe FINDING WAYs TO ReDevelOP

New partnerships and a focus on innovation are creating diverse hubs of economic development across the state. Communities hope to learn from each other and RTP as they move forward.

WORK FROm THe COmmUNITY UP

embracing the open source ethos could be one answer: allowing people to be part of problem-solving and not just part of an assessment creates a model that is organic, replicable, and sustainable over long-term.

NC BeleIves IN GeNeROsITY OF sPIRIT

every location we visited featured passionate people working for the benefit of their communities. North Carolina wants to succeed and give back.

31

themeS NC sHOUlD NOT RemAIN DIvIDeD

We know no investment in RTP will be successful unless all of NC is successful. As we move forward, we need an economic model that strengthens every community, and provides opportunity to every citizen.

RTP sHOUlD Be A sOURCe OF INsPIRATION

By forging opportunities, facilitating partnerships, and building our global brand, RTP can help North Carolina find new Pathways to Opportunity and lead our state into the innovation economy.

RAllY OUR COmmUNITY

RTP can connect and inspire all of NC to respond to our collective challenges with bold ideas and collaboration.

sHIFTING eCONOmY
NC faces challenges from rising global competition and rapidly evolving industries like advanced manufacturing. RTP must help communities adapt to remain competitive.

COllABORATION Is PART OF NCs BRAND

We witnessed bold new partnerships between businesses, community colleges, and proactive government institutions that provide opportunities for citizens and make communities more attractive places to do business.

sTReNGTHeN PARTNeRsHIPs WITH ACADemIA

Our founding universities are the Parks Golden Triangle, and were excited to create more partnerships. Community Colleges, universities, and the K-12 system can become hubs of innovation.

CROss-seCTOR PARTNeRsHIPs ARe POWeRFUl

Partnership between higher education and private industry allows the most creative and innovative ideas to be developed, tested, and ultimately brought to the market.

UNDeRsTAND CHAlleNGes
local communities are responding to challenges in real time with high stakes. RTP can help them understand trends, threats, and opportunities.

COmmUNITY COlleGes CAN Be A sOURCe FOR THe NexT BIG IDeA

A willingness to try new programs and adapt quickly makes community colleges a powerful force for progress.

eDUCATION Is ImPeRATIve
Community colleges offer programs, options, and paths to meet the changing needs of their students. NC must continue to invest in and improve education to maintain our greatest asset: our people.

CHANGING eCONOmY ReqUIRes ADAPTIve sKIlls

Job training programs, continuing education, and transferable skills help students and workers remain competitive.

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topIcS

ReConnect, ReImagine, Redevelop The goals of the Pathways to Opportunity tour were to ReConnect RTP with communities across the state, to ReImagine our shared future, and to lay the foundation to ReDevelop the Park to serve all of North Carolina. The people we met on the tour contributed their own stories and ideas about how we can achieve these goals.

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Re CoNNECT Connecting people and organizations helped build the state we live in we believe stronger connections will help us find pathways to opportunity for all of North Carolina. The idea map on the next page depicts the ideas we heard from around the state about how ReConnecting our communities will help North Carolina create more opportunities for citizens.

HOW We CAN

reconnect

across sectors across institutions and college/universities Each person is telling their own story, not the same one cadre of journalists/ writers

sharing and illuminating the stories of those involved in regional networks

34

reconnect

geographically

connect / convene / collaborate storytelling

showing local, state, national, and global impact

Re CoNNECT:
connect knowledge, ideas, people and resources in a self-organizing way citizen-led initiatives

We HeARD ABOUT WAYs NC CAN

Increasing the metabolic rate of ideas.

sandy maxey

interconnected regional brain

big idea forum hosted by RTP

entrepreneur networks tournaments, competitions, and hackathons

Engage surrounding communities

a model that is both organic, replicable, and sustainable over long-term

dynamic map of assets

whats innovative is entrepreneurs proactively engaging their users

engage underserved: drop outs, recent immigrants, ex-offenders, and people whos jobs no longer exist children: the future scientists, mathemeticians, and entrepreneurs

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Re IMaGINE The university system, our community colleges, and the RTP were all big bets based on a vision for North Carolinas future. Today we continue to work together to imagine a new future for the state and collect the big ideas that will help us build it. This idea map shows the ideas we heard around the state from people ReImagining their future and the future of North Carolina.

WHAT CAN We

reImagIne

36
adopt agencies, departments, and responsibilities that are important the the state

reImagIne
help fulfill the hopes and dreams of everyone

about building the future

create a Source of hope

Re IMaGINE:
respond to the shifting economy understand challenges
what kind of graduates are needed which skills, certificates, and degrees are in demand education is a foundation help understanding the new economy and emerging trends

We HeARD ABOUT WAYs NC CAN

What emerging sectors are we nurturing and what do they require?

meet the challenges of the world

every county, town, and worker must respond to the change in order to remain relevant

consider new industries that will move us forward as a state

manufacturing has changed for the better

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Re dEVELoP If RTP wants to foster another 50 years of economic growth and opportunity in North Carolina, we need to ReDevelop into a research park that can lead the innovation economy. The Pathways to Opportunity tour showed us how communities around the state have been ReDeveloping to better serve their citizens and compete in todays tough economic environment. The idea map on the next page outlines some of the ideas we heard.

HOW sHOUlD We

redevelop

facilities to support primary industry clusters collaborate to create new means of high tech manufacturing

unlock potential

cross sector collaboration

call with a problem, form teams to work on problem together live, work, play lifestyle

38

redevelop

optimize existing industries and partnerships

think center

information to help partners develop RTP as the authority on NCs economic development into the innovation economy

Re dEVELoP:
find ways to strengthen and develop communities from the inside out
grants

We HeARD ABOUT WAYs NC CAN

research

find the new industries NC should invest in to keep us moving forward find a way to identify the trends, challenges, and opportunities in every community

rtp = multiplier: amplify the efforts of other groups working toward a similar mission

track innovation throughout the state

help partners tell their story ongoing dialogue: What does it mean to adapt in the innovation economy? discover, develop, and grow manufacturing

bring students to RTP for summer camp internships and co-ops

corridors of innovation access to technology global access and connections Institute for Emerging Issues scholarships universities

partner with

state-wide research parks economic development groups State-wide Chambers of Commerce

convener and aggregator of innovation tracking

community colleges

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connect communities to global markets

IdeaS
adopt organizations invested in moving North Carolina forward help communities access and use technology

We asked North Carolina how RTP could be a better partner for helping create opportunities and growth. Here were their answers:
NORTH CAROlINA THINKs
convene partners across sectors and across geography be a catalyst for collaboration host town hall meetings aimed at redevelopment host an annual Big Idea forum find cross-disciplinary solutions to North Carolinas challenges become a partner, strengthening communities across the state

develop corridors of innovation across North Carolina enhance public education

catalyst

offer grants for local development create a critical density of companies, academic institutions, and talent strengthen Chambers of Commerce

RTP SHouLd BE a...

connector

convener

create physical innovation spaces help communities tell their story and elevate heroes to a bigger audience help develop the brand of North Carolina, communities, and RTP

create a physical space that is the Eiffel Tower of innovation create an agenda that unifies the community toward common goals

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The conversations and ideas that came from the Pathways to Opportunity Tour demonstrated that North Carolina wants RTP to be a convener, a connector, a catalyst. Heres how RTP plans to fulfill those roles:
CONveNeR
THIs YeAR, RTP WIll INvITe RePReseNTATIves FROm ACROss NORTH CAROlINA TO COme TOGeTHeR IN THe PARK.
events hosted in RTP will give passionate people an opportunity to collaborate and learn from one another to drive economic development in their own communities.

actIon

CONNeCTOR
RTP WIll DevelOP AN ONlINe COmmUNITY TO esTABlIsH AN ONGOING CONveRsATION ABOUT THe FUTURe OF NORTH CAROlINA.
Different forms of online media will allow RTP to share timely information about the Park and the states development. Open communications platforms will give North Carolina a place to share stories and ideas.

CATAlYsT
RTP WIll BUIlD AN INNOvATIve COmmUNITY FOR sHARING NeW IDeAs.
The center will fulfill the expectations we heard on the Pathways to Opportunity tour: it will connect North Carolina and brand our state as a global leader in innovation and collaboration.

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Chemistry instructor angela allen said if you look at RTP right now, theyre science-based. So we have the biotechnology they need, we have the chemistry they need, we have environmental courses.
Jessika morgan, Kinston.com

the new plan and the bus tour are steps in the right direction. re-connecting with the rest of the state is long overdue.
Bernie Reeves, Raleigh metro

the Park is the main reason behind the emergence of this region as a world-class center of research and innovation. The fact is, without the Park, none of what we have today would have been possible.
Bernie Reeves, Raleigh metro

preSS

We are asking the same questions you are asking how to better serve the people of North Carolina, how to best prepare a workforce for the future, Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock told Geolas. We look forward to collaborating and working with you any way that we possibly can.
AsU News

In the past, RTP has mainly been associated with work requiring advanced and specialized education ...This tour, on the other hand, focuses largely on voices that have been less prominent, as the parks leaders visit some of the states historically black universities, community colleges and farflung uNC-system campuses.
sanford Herald

You are the resource for how to take ideas to the next level, Renfro told the RTP staff. How can we work together? Thats our challenge.
larry Penkava, The Randolph Guide

The search for the states best offerings is the defining theme of this tour.
sanford Herald

This time, the RTPs focus is on change, from a location for more than 170 businesses into a community-based culture of more than just businesses.
Jessika morgan, Kinston.com

rtp was a cutting-edge idea when that long-ago vision was realized. now, it faces competition from new york to california competition that came about, at least in some cases, because of the parks success.
News & Observer

We can achieve great things. It really is possible, but we have to believe in it and we have to put our shoulders behind it. If we do, we can make great things happen.
Governor Jim Hunt

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StorIeS

While the Brookings report shows us in an enviable position today, if we sit still while other cities move forward, we will lose our edge. Because when people start using your recipe, you better improve yours or risk losing what distinguishes you.
J.B. Buxton

I believe we need to think more deeply about how all of us involved in inventing the future the universities, the research organizations, the schools, the businesses, and the community colleges can best collaborate and create synergies.
Dr. Gary m. Green

by continuing with efforts to create partnerships and collaboration among the private sector and academia, rtp has the opportunity to create a huge impact over the next 50 years.
Derrick minor

The only difference between Ivy League students and us is the opportunity and outlet to succeed. We have the capability, we yearn for the support to hold such potential.
Cameron Carswell

I am proud to call north carolina my home.

Jennifer TolleWhitehouse

My family has lived in North Carolina for 300 years, and over the last two decades, Ive watched our state take off.
mack Paul

This region has exceeded my expectations. I credit leaders who took great risks many years ago to forge partnerships among business, government and universities to create a space for the next economy. Their foresight led to the explosion of growth throughout the region. Leaders took advantage of that growth to revitalize our urban cores. Now we are seeing the innovation economy take hold among a new generation of residents.
mack Paul

43

We have to help our students and young people feel hope and opportunity.

Some people think of RTP as a place. I think of it as a bold idea.

nothing is more important for our future than education.

InSpIratIon

We are passionate people doing important things.

fifty years ago the men and women who launched research triangle park looked out into the fields and said we must redefine the future we ought to be able to do the same.

Make the networks come to life and you will know success.

What pathways to opportunity are we creating in our own community?

I am a proud north carolinian.

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gratItude

Thank you to everyone who helped us ReConnect with North Carolina, ReImagine our shared future, and begin to ReDevelop our state as part of the Pathways to Opportunity tour. Your ideas, your stories, and your commitment to our state have inspired us. We look forward to continuing the conversation and continuing to work together to do great things for North Carolina.

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Thank you to our hosts:

MaSTER PLaN LauNCH: RTP HEadquaRTERS RaLEIGH: NC MuSEuM of NaTuRaL SCIENCE GREENSBoRo: NC a&T SaNfoRd: CENTRaL CaRoLINa CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE aSHEBoRo: RaNdoLPH CouNTY CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE WINSToN-SaLEM: foRSYTH TECH BooNE: aPPaLaCHIaN STaTE uNIVERSITY HICKoRY: CaTaWBa VaLLEY CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE aSHEVILLE: aSHEVILLE EVENT CENTER LENoIR: CaLdWELL CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE CHaRLoTTE: CENTRaL PIEdMoNT CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE RaLEIGH: WaKE TECH duRHaM: NC CENTRaL RoCKY MouNT: NaSH CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE ELIZaBETH CITY: ELIZaBETH CITY STaTE uNIVERSITY WaSHINGToN: BEaufoRT CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE WINTERVILLE: PITT CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE, EaST CaRoLINa uNIVERSITY KINSToN: LENoIR CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE WILMINGToN: CaPE fEaR CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE faYETTEVILLE: faYETTEVILLE TECHNICaL CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE PEMBRoKE: uNC-PEMBRoKE PINEHuRST: SaNdHILLS CoMMuNITY CoLLEGE

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We were happy to meet:

Al Klemm Al Kuteing Alan murdock Ali A Kahn Alice stewart Amy Chiou Annette eubanks Anthony Adade Anthony Hubert April Harris Barbara ellis Barbara miller Ben Willis Betty Gray Betty smith Bill Bucknel Bill shore Bob ervin Bob Holts Bob Joyce Bret marchart Brian Haney Bruce Clark Carl mitchell Cathy Johnson Charles Cherry Charles Hayes Charles Helholeuue Chet Jarman Chris sgro Cindy Burns Conley Winebarger Crystal Glenn Curt lorimer Cynthia Davis Dan meyer Daniel minton Daryle Nobles Dayton Cole Deborah murray Deidre Godfrey Denise Roth Desandra Washing Don Phipps Donna James-Windbee Doug mercer ed Kitchen evelyn Robison evelyne Roberson Flora Brown Frank Heath Frankie Jones Gary Palmer Genell Brothers George martin Kripner Gina Knight Gwen sanders Hank Foreman Harry Bass Henry Frye Ian Henshaw J W Kelley James Wilkes Janice Baker Jason Cannon Jay sullivan Jerry mcGuire Jim Campbell Jim lott Joann mitchell Joe Furman Joe mullis Joe Peek Joe Turner John Gelb John-Paul smith Jonathan Jordan Katie murray Kay Gregory Kelly Thorsby Kenneth Peacock Kingsley Nwala lavern Kendne lentz stowe lester Byssey lillian Jordan lindsey Yarborough lorin Baumhover margaret Arbuckle mark Caudill mathew lincoln matt Harrington mike solomon mitzi Johnson morris Autry Naepe Harris Nancy Johnston Nikki Baker Omer Tomlinson Patrick Turner Rachel Desmarais Randy Gonzalez Rebecca Cross Richard Barnett Richard Rice Richard starets Richy Hunneycutt Rick Powell Robbie Johnson Robert Kisely Robert Pompry Ryan Butler scott seratine sean Henshaw sen. Tillman senator earline Paymon sherry Williams shirley Frye suzy Hrabousky sylvia Ray Tanya mcDaniel Tara sandercock Theresa Biggs Tim Tsjujii Tracy Brown Treaconteo Cranford vikki Andrews Walter mcDowell Walter mcNeil Watts Carr Wayne szafrank Wendy emerson Wesley Beddard William Griffin William Weiner zanbee swann

*This is only a partial list based on the names we collected during the tour. Thank you to everyone who joined us at a tour event and we hope youll connect with us at reimaginenc.com so we can continue the conversation.

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sincerely, the Tour Team

RESEaRCH TRIaNGLE fouNdaTIoN Bob Geolas liz Rooks linda Hall mason Ailstock Anna Rhyne Anna Penner erin monda Julie Terry linda Rozet Amanda Frystock Karenn Cox Corey liles James lim Craig Reed Darren Danko Krystal sanchez michelle stiles RTP BoaRd of dIRECToRS Robert A. Ingram virginia Rand Bowman smedes York John Brantley Richardson Preyer, Jr. Dr. Richard H. Brodhead Thomas W. Ross Geo. Watts Carr, III Bruce sargent Richard l. Daugherty Jeffrey R. Davies Dr. H. Holden Thorp Dr. Joseph Desimone Dr. Tallman Trask Joe Templeton Charles Francis Robert W. Winston Olivia Holding Dr. W. Randy Woodson J. Walter mcDowell, III Dr. Phall Wynn, Jr. mike mortimer TuCaSI BoaRd of TRuSTEES smedes York, Board Chair Dr. James siedow, President Dr. Warwick Arden Dr. Chris Brown Dr. Bruce Carney Richard l. Daugherty Dr. Barbara entwisle Bob Geolas Dr. e. Wayne Holden Dr. Terri lomax Dr. suzanne Ortega Dr. Noah Pickus l. Richardson Preyer, Jr. Dr. Keith Whitfield Dr. Terry magnuson Dr. Daniel solomon TRIaNGLE SERVICE CENTER, INC. Gary R. Ashworth Roger l. Perry, sr. marvin Barnes James H. speed, Jr. James B. Brame, Jr. Rex J. Thomas Jack Clayton Robert W. Winston Wilber P. Wib Gulley NEW KINd David Burney Tom Rabon Chris Grams matthew muoz Nation Hahn Dr. Amber Howard elizabeth Hipps Jonathan Opp Dave mason elizabeth Atkins

CaPSTRaT John Peterson Anna marshall Wilson

PaRTNERS Gary Pearce Joyce Fitzpatrick Jamie Hahn

A special thanks to the tour sponsors