IC2026 CALL FOR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS Survey

2026 AURP International Conference
September 29 - October 1
Pegasus Park | Dallas, Texas

The Association of University Research Parks invites senior leaders, innovators, and practitioners to contribute to the 2026 International Conference at Pegasus Park - one of the nation’s most dynamic, mission-driven innovation districts and a powerful example of how place-based strategy accelerates impact.

Hosted in Dallas, Texas, this year’s conference will bring together AURP members and global innovation leaders for executive-level dialogue, high-value networking, and curated learning experiences. From strategic plenaries and collaborative working sessions to behind-the-scenes tours of Pegasus Park and engagement with the region’s thriving life sciences community, the program will highlight how intentional investment, cross-sector partnerships, and research park leadership drive sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness within the U.S.

Pegasus Park stands at the forefront of advancing new industries—particularly in life sciences—while strengthening community outcomes. Together with AURP’s mission to foster innovation, commercialization, and vibrant knowledge communities, the 2026 conference will showcase Dallas as a model for forward-looking ecosystem development.

SMEs are requested for submissions to lead high-impact discussions across five core tracks:

1. INNOVATION NETWORKS & PLACE-BASED STRATEGY
How modern research parks and innovation districts are evolving into engines of regional growth

This track explores the transformation of research parks and innovation districts into dynamic, place-based ecosystems that drive economic development, talent attraction, and industry clustering. Sessions will examine how these environments are strategically designed, programmed, and connected to amplify regional competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global economy.

2. CAPITAL, POLICY & THE INNOVATION ECONOMY
The shifting landscape of investment and public policy shaping innovation

This track examines how capital flows, government policy, and emerging investment models are redefining the innovation economy. As public and private funding sources become increasingly interconnected, regions, institutions, and companies must navigate a more complex environment to access capital, scale technologies, and remain globally competitive.

3. HIGH-GROWTH INDUSTRY CLUSTERS
Key sectors driving research park expansion and national competitiveness

This track explores the industry clusters at the forefront of research park growth and their critical role in shaping national and regional competitiveness. As technology convergence accelerates, research parks are becoming hubs for sector-specific innovation—bringing together talent, infrastructure, capital, and partnerships to scale breakthrough technologies and strengthen economic resilience.

4. TALENT & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Building the workforce pipelines required for innovation economies to scale

This track focuses on the strategies, partnerships, and programs needed to develop, attract, and retain the skilled workforce essential for high-growth innovation sectors. As demand for specialized talent accelerates, regions must align education, industry, and community resources to create inclusive, future-ready workforce pipelines that support both emerging technologies and long-term economic resilience.

5. UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP & TRANSLATIONAL IMPACT

This track examines how universities—particularly research-intensive institutions—are evolving as central drivers of innovation ecosystems. From advancing cutting-edge research to accelerating commercialization and regional economic growth, university leadership plays a pivotal role in translating discovery into realworld impact. Sessions will highlight how institutions are aligning strategy, partnerships, and infrastructure to maximize their influence at both the national and regional levels.