On November 19, Fort Worth leaders, innovators, and visionaries gathered at Palmwood Events to explore how innovation districts—anchored by universities and key institutions—catalyze economic growth. The “Innovation Districts: How Universities and Anchor Institutions Can Leverage Real Estate for Economic Growth” event highlighted the transformative power of collaboration between academia and industry, with Texas A&M Fort Worth at the forefront.
A Vision for Downtown Fort Worth
The event featured a dynamic panel discussion on the groundbreaking plans for the Texas A&M Fort Worth Research and Innovation Campus. Positioned as a cornerstone for Fort Worth’s future, this new district aims to revolutionize how businesses and researchers collaborate to foster innovation. Panelists shared insights on how this bold initiative will enhance the city’s economic vitality and redefine the relationship between universities and their surrounding communities.
Key topics included:
The role of anchor institutions like Texas A&M in driving urban revitalization.
Lessons from cities such as Detroit, Chicago, and Memphis that have successfully harnessed university partnerships to regenerate neighborhoods.
How Texas A&M Fort Worth is uniquely positioned to bring academic research and real-world business innovation together.
Esteemed Speakers
The event featured prominent leaders shaping the future of Fort Worth and beyond:
Robert Ahdieh, COO of Texas A&M Fort Worth, shared how the new campus will redefine professional education and innovation in the region.
Omar Blaik, CEO of U3 Advisors, discussed the transformative potential of innovation districts in creating sustainable community and economic growth.
John Goff, Chairman of Goff Capital and Crescent Real Estate, highlighted his vision for Fort Worth’s economic future, emphasizing the importance of strategic investment and collaboration.
Alex Feldman, Managing Director at U3 Advisors, moderated the discussion with his expertise in urban planning and institutional partnerships.
Fort Worth: Poised for Transformation
The dialogue underscored the city’s readiness to embrace a future driven by innovation, with Texas A&M Fort Worth serving as the catalyst. By drawing on successful models from other cities, Fort Worth is poised to create a vibrant downtown hub that bridges education, business, and community.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Thank you to The Beck Group and Fort Worth Tarrant County Innovation Partnership!
