Innovation Park, the science incubator run by Leon County and Tallahassee, could see major organizational changes after an embezzlement scandal shook up leadership three years ago. Newly appointed chairwoman Kristin Dozier is proposing to transfer over most of the park’s buildings to private businesses and universities.
When it was created 30 years ago, Innovation Park was supposed to promote scientific research in order to boost the region’s economy. But Chairwoman Dozier says, scandals and staff turnover have put the park in dire straits financially. So, she’s hoping to shift some of the building leases to the park’s main tenants, Florida State University and Florida A&M.
“We have an incredible untapped resource of the research and technology coming from our universities and how that can be translated into small businesses and job creation," Dozier said.
She said, the universities seem like they’re on board with the plan so far. Next month, the FSU and FAMU presidents will be invited to weigh in before the full board takes a vote.