Ann Arbor SPARK’s Paul Krutko Elected President of International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation Board of Directors

ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, has been ratified as the new International President of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation board of directors. His presidency began at the association’s recently concluded 35^th World Conference in Isfahan, Iran.

Krutko took over from outgoing president Josep Piqué at the conference Closing Ceremony on September 5, 2018. He begins his 2-year term following ratification at the 2018 IASP General Assembly in Isfahan, Iran, and having previously held the position of IASP vice president for two years. He leads the IASP International Board, which is made up of 18 members from 13 different countries.

“IASP focuses on the role Areas of Innovation play in helping regions take advantage of new opportunities for the future. As we’ve experienced in Ann Arbor, ‘living laboratories’ in the city, supported by public-private co-financing, can expedite the implementation of innovation in these areas,” Krutko said. “Being chosen to lead the IASP board is the opportunity to learn from and share ideas with my colleagues whose expertise in making innovation a core tenant of economic development is unparalleled.”

In addition to his leadership of IASP, Krutko served as chair of the preeminent professional economic development organization in the world, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). He was designated an Honorary Life Member of IEDC in 2013.

IASP is the worldwide network of science parks and areas of innovation, founded in 1984. With 347 members in 77 countries, IASP connects professionals managing science, technology and research parks and other areas of innovation from across the globe, and provides services that drive growth and effectiveness for members.

About Ann Arbor SPARK

Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is advancing the region by encouraging and supporting business acceleration, attraction and retention. The organization identifies and meets the needs of business at every stage, from start-ups to large organizations. To achieve its mission, Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners. For more information, please call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborUSA.org.

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