Contacts:
Tech Parks Arizona – Jessa B. Turner – (520) 405-8262 jbturner@uatechpark.org

For Immediate Release:
April 15, 2025

Leader of University of Arizona Tech Parks, Carol Stewart, Appointed to The Global Advisory Board for University-Industry Innovation Network

TUCSON, Ariz. – Tech Parks Arizona leader Carol Stewart has been appointed to the inaugural University Industry Innovation Network (UIIN) Advisory Board. This prestigious volunteer appointment recognizes Stewart’s leadership in fostering university-industry engagement and driving innovation across higher education and economic development sectors.

For over a decade, UIIN has empowered a global community of forward-thinking institutions to enhance innovation, strengthen external engagement, and drive meaningful social impact. Grounded in evidence-based research and real-world application, its initiatives are informed by the needs of stakeholders across academia, industry, and government. Through a centralized hub for skills development, networking, and support, UIIN provides individuals and organizations with the resources to foster university-industry collaboration, advance entrepreneurial universities, and accelerate technology transfer.

The newly formed UIIN Advisory Board will play a key role in shaping UIIN’s strategic direction, providing insights into the future of education and innovation, and guiding initiatives that enhance collaboration between universities, industry, and government. With a distinguished global reputation in research park leadership management and innovation ecosystems, Stewart has extensive experience building partnerships that drive entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, and regional economic growth. Her expertise in connecting businesses with university resources will be instrumental in UIIN’s mission to enhance engagement between academia and industry. Members of the UIIN Advisory Board will contribute their thought leadership through biannual meetings and ongoing discussions, ensuring that UIIN remains at the forefront of fostering impactful collaborations.

Alongside Stewart, the following distinguished group of global leaders have also been appointed to the UIIN Advisory Board, bringing diverse expertise in university-industry collaboration, innovation, and economic development.
• Prof. Dr. Tuula Teeri
Professor Emerita, Senior Advisor and Former President, Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences and Aalto University
• Dr. Natascha Eckert
Academia-Business Advisor, Angel Investor & Female Tech Mentor
• Prof. Dr. Andrew Petter
President Emeritus, Professor Emeritus, Simon Fraser University & Associate Counsel, Arvay Finlay LLP

“We are thrilled to welcome Carol Stewart to the UIIN Advisory Board. As an internationally respected expert on research parks, Carol brings invaluable expertise to our mission. UIIN empowers institutions with the knowledge, networks, and resources needed to drive innovation and address global challenges, and we look forward to her contributions in advancing this important work,” shared Arno Meerman, CEO and Founder of UIIN.

Her dedication to building communities of innovation has driven the success of the UA Tech Park, UA Tech Park at The Bridges, and the UA Center for Innovation. By strategically integrating science parks and incubators with institutional assets, Stewart has created significant opportunities for economic impact and industry collaboration.

About Tech Parks Arizona
Tech Parks Arizona creates the “Interactive Ground” that generates, attracts and retains technology companies and talent in alignment with the research, mission and goals of the University of Arizona. Tech Parks Arizona directs the UA Tech Park, the UA Tech Park at The Bridges and the University of Arizona Center for Innovation incubator, placing the highest priority on recruiting companies desiring connectivity to the University of Arizona.

Carol A. Stewart
Vice President, Tech Parks Arizona, The University of Arizona
President & CEO, UA Tech Parks & President, UA Center for Innovation