During a recent Explorations trip to Research Triangle Park (RTP) with the Luther Hodges Scholars, I had the opportunity to explore how RTP has embraced cross-sector collaboration as a tool for collaborative community development. Through conversations with
RTP executives and panel discussions with cross-sector leaders, we learned how Research Triangle Park blends real estate strategy, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term policy vision to strengthen North Carolina’s innovation economy. Andrew Holton, Executive Vice President and COO of the Research Triangle Park Foundation, explained that RTP was founded in 1959 when policymakers, bankers, and university leaders recognized a shared problem: educated workers were leaving the state. Today, the 7,000-acre park hosts 385 companies and more than 55,000 workers, generating over $25 billion in annual economic impact.
Katie Bowler Young (Senior Director of University Collaborations at RTI International) highlighted RTI’s role as a convener, connecting universities and industry to retain talent and drive innovation. Young also noted that silos often exist for structural reasons, and effective collaboration starts with understanding those systems. She shared that relationships often outlast individual projects and emphasized that long-term trust and consistent engagement are essential to strong partnerships.
Michelle Sorrells (Senior Program Officer at the Triangle Community Foundation) spoke about the foundation’s role in strategic philanthrophic “matchmaking”. In her position she connects donors and nonprofits to address challenges like affordable housing and education, stressing the “power of small rooms” to create meaningful change. Sorrells encouraged us to identify gaps in our work and proactively seek partners who can help fill them, reinforcing that shared ownership strengthens community impact.
Rachel Page (Deputy Director at GlobalNC) described cross-sector collaboration as coalition-building around a shared goal. GlobalNC works to attract international business by strengthening relationships across government, academia, and industry. Page emphasized systems thinking and noted that when progress stalls, it may simply mean the right partners have yet to be invited to the table.
This visit reinforced how cross-sector collaboration drives both economic growth and community impact. Research Triangle Park shows that lasting progress happens when universities, nonprofits, industry, and public leaders align around a shared vision. Thank you to Andrew Holton & the RTP Foundation team, Katie Bowler Young & RTI International, Michelle Sorrells & Triangle Community Foundation, and Rachel Page & GlobalNC for welcoming us and demonstrating how partners can work together to expand opportunity across North Carolina.
