The Political and Economic Feasibility of Research Park Development: A Detroit Case Study

Abstract

This Senior Individualized Project is organized into three sections. Section One represents the research paper associated with my work experience SIP. This section is further divided into five principal chapters. The first chapter introduces the reader to my work experience SIP research paper. Chapter Two presents a summary of the academic research already compiled on the development of research and development parks. This element attempts to outline the possible benefits a park can offer as well as the risks involved in achieving success. The third chapter of this report focuses on a Detroit case study. Most of the information collected was compiled while interning at the New Center Area Council and actively working on the pre-development stage of Detroit's Science and Technology Park. The fourth chapter-s goal is to compare Detroit's special assets as well as its weaknesses with prevailing academic research park studies. Finally, Chapter Five reaffirms my overall conclusions regarding the city of Detroit's chances at implementing a successful research park. In addition to the research paper, Section Two illustrates the type of work I completed while an intern with the New Center Council; a large portion of my work at the council, however, dealt with land acquisition information and due to its confidential nature, was purposely unrecorded. Section Three reflects on my three month internship with the Council and how this experience connects with my academic history, future plans, and career goals.