Regions are often deined by features
“But they have also worked together to build a culture of support for economic
such as climate, topography and
development, job growth and regional cooperation,” said Sullivan. “It is unique
demographics. Few regions are deined
in American higher education and over the past 20 years it has led to a global
by a trio of universities, much less three of
recognition of the growing high tech hub in the region. They are a role model.”
the nation’s largest research institutions.
Economic developers throughout the region say these three institutions –
each known for numerous diverse specialties – have become a critical tool
Increasingly, when people think of Florida’s
High Tech Corridor, they think of three
unique universities with distinct personalities
and academic and research specialties …
all ranked in the top 20 in the country by
enrollment.
in their ability to attract and grow what has become one of the country’s
well-recognized technology hubs. “The Corridor has been and continues to
be a key element of our reputation as a technology hub,” said Rick Weddle,
president of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission. “We
often have prospects contact us about opportunities in Orlando because they
know UCF’s reputation. It used to be that they knew us for our attractions and
were curious about higher education here. Today they not only know about
But they are also seen as unique for the fact
UCF, but they know The Corridor story as well.”
they collaborate where others might see
each other as ierce competitors. “Don’t get
them wrong,” said Jack Sullivan, president of
the Florida Research Consortium, a statewide
innovation alliance to which each of the
universities belong. “The University of Central
Florida (UCF), the University of South Florida
(USF) and the University of Florida (UF) are ierce
“Great communities are almost always anchored by great universities and we
are no exception,” said Weddle. “UCF has helped put Orlando on the map
as a top choice for business development. From helping create our dominant
position as the ‘epicenter of modeling, simulation and training,’ to laying the
research foundation for the rapidly growing sensor industry in partnership with
Osceola County to establish the Florida Advanced Manufacturing Research
Center, UCF is critical to Orlando’s future growth and development.”
competitors in that they each seek to grow their
research role and the academic strengths that
You hear the same tone in the Tampa Bay area. “The High Tech Corridor is more
come with research.”
accurately a massive pipeline. One that contributes a steady low of research,
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florida.HIGH.TECH 2016