URI would be a successful location for a research park, according to consulting firm George Henry George Partners, which compared URI's plan with already existing research parks at four other U.S. universities...

The consulting firm, which spent 18 months developing the feasibility study, said a URI research center could draw more faculty and students to the university, and could boost research funding and better the overall academic environment...

...It's unclear how much the park would cost to build because there are no definite plans. Finances would ideally come from the university, the South Kingstown community and the state, as well as private developers.

The report stressed that the development would be a long process.