UNC looks to satellite campus’ success

Research campuses across the state have kept tabs on the progress of N.C. State University’s Centennial Campus, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Centennial’s successes have made it easier for newer campuses, such as UNC-Chapel Hill’s Carolina North, to establish themselves, and UNC-CH leaders are evaluating Centennial’s progress as they move forward with their own development plans.

Having an existing model for partnerships between universities and private enterprises made it easier to overcome obstacles, such as attracting private investors and gaining community support, said Amy Lubas, director of partnership development at NCSU.

“By all accounts, Centennial Campus is a smashing success,” Lubas said. “We have maintained an occupancy of about 95 percent, and we currently have 55 businesses on campus.”

Founded in 1984 under N.C. Gov. Jim Hunt, Centennial Campus is a 1,120-acre research park located less than a mile from NCSU’s main campus in Raleigh.

Its aim is to promote research partnerships among the university, government, and private companies. It houses leading companies such as Red Hat, WebAssign and GlaxoSmithKline, Lubas said.

More than 75 NCSU institutes and centers also have space on the campus.

Lubas said Centennial’s progress should help Carolina North attract private investors, which Centennial struggled with its first 10 years.

“It’s helpful to Carolina North because you’re no longer having to sell the vision of what a research park is,” Lubas said.

Carolina North is in the beginning stages of its development process — a process guided by the model Centennial created 25 years ago.

“I think there is a precedent set here that Carolina North could learn from,” said Chris Brown, associate vice chancellor for research development at NCSU.

“I see an opportunity for increasing partnerships across universities.”

UNC-CH and Chapel Hill officials approved the development agreement for Carolina North in June.

Executive Director of Carolina North Jack Evans said he learned the importance of such an agreement from Centennial.

“We needed to concentrate on the development agreement because if we didn’t, we knew no private investors would sign on,” he said.

Evans said he hopes Carolina North will be as well established as Centennial in 25 years.

Both campuses follow in the footsteps of Research Triangle Park, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It is the oldest continuously operating science park in the country.

“How do these campuses benefit North Carolina?” Brown asked.

“Well, we already have some recognition as far as the RTP, but these campuses can increase that and make North Carolina a place worldwide that companies look to in order to get things done.”



Contact the State & National Editor at stntdesk@unc.edu.