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Murphy Encourages Intl. Research Universities to Create Footprint in NJ

Gov. Phil Murphy has reached out to more than 20 of the world’s leading international research universities to encourage them to create a global footprint in New Jersey.

In a letter to foreign universities across North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and East Asia, Governor Murphy emphasized his commitment to reclaiming New Jersey’s leadership in the global innovation economy and provided a vision for how a foreign research university could extend its reach while playing an important role in New Jersey’s quest to reclaim its place at the center of the global innovation economy.

Located in the heart of the northeastern United States, within a 200-mile radius of more than 50 million people, New Jersey is ranked fourth in the country for incoming foreign direct investment, and has the largest port in the Northeast and an airport system offering daily non-stop flights to 130 foreign destinations. New Jersey has the highest concentration of scientists and engineers in the world and the second-highest ranked education system in the country. The State also boasts one of the most diverse populations, with 21 percent of residents being foreign born.

The Governor’s letter also served to inform these international research universities of an exciting private development project called the New Jersey Innovation and Technology Hub, a planned mixed-use development that will be a key site for cutting-edge academic research and start-up incubation. Located in the thriving city of New Brunswick, The Hub boasts extraordinary public transportation assets and ideal proximity to existing corporate, medical, and research activity. The site, which is owned by the City of New Brunswick and is being developed and managed by DevCo, has been approved for up to four million square feet of commercial development.

“New Jersey’s long history of innovation, prime location, international connections, and talented and diverse workforce make it a compelling place for a global university to strategically affiliate with an innovation space,” Governor Murphy said. “The Hub will be a center of international prominence with globally-diverse talent and resources, connecting life sciences, technology, and industries of the future.”

This announcement comes on the heels of the EDA’s creation of a new Office of International Trade and Investment (OITI), which is the lead international business development office in State government, working with public and private sector partners to promote the strengths of New Jersey as a premier business and investment destination.

“Facilitating the expansion of international trade and investment and widening our global reach are crucial to building a stronger and fairer economy for New Jersey,” said EDA CEO Tim Sullivan. “In support of Governor Murphy’s vision, we are strengthening New Jersey’s value proposition and showcasing the State’s countless assets to the global marketplace.”

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