The University of Arizona announced today that Carol Stewart, a long-standing authority on research parks, has been appointed to lead the UA Tech Parks.

In her new role as associate vice president for Tech Parks Arizona, Stewart will be charged with overseeing the UA Tech Park at Rita Road, developing the UA Tech Park at The Bridges, and elevating the Arizona Center for Innovation, the business incubator at the Rita Road park.

Stewart's expertise in university research parks spans decades and nations. She has more than 20 years of experience working with research parks, technology commercialization, business incubation, governmental relations and business development. Previously, Stewart served as CEO of the Association of University Research Parks, which represents 200 research parks worldwide. In this role, she collaborated with leaders to build and grow university-related research parks through education, unification and collaboration.

Her achievements include co-founding the Canadian chapter of the Association of University Research Parks, leading the marketing efforts and launching the professional services division of Maplesoft, a global spinoff company from the University of Waterloo, and enhancing the entrepreneurial culture of Canada at the Canadian Industrial Innovation Centre. Stewart also was founding director of the David Johnston Research + Technology Park at the University of Waterloo, which was named Canada's most innovative university for 26 consecutive years by Maclean's, a Canadian news magazine.

As a pioneer in the research parks world, Stewart has created national and international networks, built technology clusters, engaged stakeholders, and assisted countries with the development of national science and technology policies.

In her new role, Stewart will continue to advance the mission of the Association of University Research Parks by fostering innovation, commercialization and economic growth in a global economy through university, industry and government partnerships for the benefit of the UA.

"Carol Stewart's strategic thought process and experienced know-how is a perfect fit for the University of Arizona. I know she is firmly committed to the continuing success of the Tech Parks. Her lifelong passion for this work is inspiring. I look forward to seeing what she builds during this new era for the Tech Parks," said UA President Robert C. Robbins.

"I am thrilled to work with the University of Arizona. It is a momentous time; with UA President Robert Robbins releasing the new strategic plan, the Tech Parks can be shining examples of the environment where the Fourth Industrial Revolution happens. It is my goal to weave these innovation districts into the very fabric of the university community," Stewart said.

Stewart's appointment is effective immediately. She succeeds Bruce Wright, who developed the UA Tech Parks since their inception in 1994. He recently retired.