From the November 8, 2005, edition.

Study Shows Strong Demand for Design Incubator

A new study by AngelouEconomics shows a "strong local demand for design incubator space" and supports the development of the Center for Design Innovation in Winston-Salem.

The incubator would be part of the Center for Design Innovation, a collaboration between the N.C. School of the Arts and Winston-Salem State University in partnership with Forsyth Technical Community College.

The Center for Design Innovation is itself a component of the National Institute for Design, which also involves UNC-Greensboro, N.C. A&T State University and Guilford Technical Community College.

The study by AngelouEconomics, the firm that studied the western part of the Triad in 2003 and suggested it try to grow its number of design-related firms, said that a design incubator could "reasonably expect to attain full occupancy within 18 months of launch."

Jim DeCristo, director of economic development and external affairs at NCSA who was hired last spring to help advance the Center for Design, said he was encouraged by the study.

"The AngelouEconomics study reinforces what we believed all along: that the creation of the CDI is a worthwhile endeavor, and it will be a success," he said.

The UNC Board of Governors has approved $2 million to help establish the Center for Design, while the state has appropriated $10 million for construction of a facility at Piedmont Triad Research Park in downtown Winston-Salem.

The field of design covers a wide range of industries, including software, film and publishing, along with the design of biotech products and more traditional design fields such as arts and crafts.


© 2005 American City Business Journals Inc