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are also important and will result from the City making a commihnent to fully investigate and develop a plan for Ignition Park that is based on research results. They result from a methodical study of one's own community that identifies the unique features that are present and the potential that exists, as well as an examination of businesses and industry from outside the South Bend area. This comparison will result in a clear plan of where South Bend and Ignition Park can succeed. As a result, the City will be able to communicate effectively with the public, bringing the whole community on board and cultivating support from primary stakeholders. This support is critical to the success of this project. Further, communicating a clear strategy based on data will inspire optimism among citizens. South Bend residents will feel confident that there is a plan in place that has been well researched and thoroughly vetted. The impact of this indirect benefit, community support and optimism, should not be minimized. Residents who understand the City's vision, goals, and plan can become critical partners in the development of Ignition Park. At the heart of this issue is the reality that performing a Feasibility Study to determine the industries that present the best opportunity for success at Ignition Park will provide information that will bring clarity to this project and allow the City to make informed, data driven decisions. While the indirect benefits have been described above, the following sections expand upon the direct economic benefits to the City of South Bend. WORKFORCE The Feasibility Study will work to analyze sectors and industries that can create jobs for South Bend residents over multiple time-year horizons. A 2007 report entitled "Characteristics and Trends in North American Research Parks," by Battelle Technology Partnership Practice offers that: Approximately 80 percent of research park workers are employed in the private sector. An additional 11 percent are employees of colleges and universities (both public and private institutions); 6 percent are government employees; and 3 percent are employed in businesses supporting other park tenants, such as retail stores, restaurants, daycare centers, banks, health clubs, and other on-site support services and amenities. (Batten, Page 20). The study will incorporate opportunities that create jobs for existing students and graduates of local colleges and universities, as well as entry-level positions that may require the re-training of unskilled workers. The study will seek to estimate the number and types of jobs that can be created, along with an estimate of what types of training would be needed to successfully implement the particular strategy. ConJiden7ial - lgiri~ion Pnrk: P'easibilin S~ad~~ cmd Sh~a~egic Plan Proposal- Grnhnm Allen ParLrers Fehruan 2011 2