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 SMART Park to Encourage University-Industry Interaction
The university moved a step closer to the establishment of a research park with the successful rezoning in December, 1997 of a parcel of land on the Fort Garry campus to accommodate the vision of this "SMART Park." The research park whose acronym means "Strong Manitoba Applied Research and Technology", will provide a high quality, attractive environment to foster interaction between university and industry, to support research and education programs. As well, it will encourage the creation and growth of knowledge-based firms in Manitoba. The university has selected priority uses for the SMART Park which reflect not only its desire to work closely with knowledge-based industries, but also to reflect existing areas of strength for the university, coupled with local industry need. These research areas include information technology (software, telecommunications, and computer science and engineering-related activities), advanced materials and manufacturing (for applications such as aerospace and civil structures), and pharmaceutical and agricultural/biotechnology and resource-based value-added products and processing. A steering committee set up by President Szathmáry recommended the incorporation of SMART Park as a wholly owned subsidiary of the university. This recommendation, and one establishing a governing structure (a Board of Directors comprised of leaders from the private sector and the university) was approved by the Board of Governors in April, 1998.
More highlights of the research achievements of our faculty and students.
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