Land Stewardship Is Key To a Future Innovation Park

More than a concept, “It’s definitely a done deal,” says Mason Ailstock about a 2,000-acre knowledge district called Rowen taking shape in rural eastern Gwinnett County, Georgia.

“Rowen” means second harvest. It’s a fitting moniker for a project aimed at fostering research and higher education collaboration in key industries on land used for generations for more traditional farming. Ailstock, who has extensive experience in research park planning and administration, including serving as chief operating officer at the Research Triangle Park in Raleigh, is president and CEO of the independent and non-profit Rowen Foundation. Its mission: “To be a catalyst for education, research, innovation and transformation through the creation of a global destination which recognizes stewardship of the land as the cornerstone of an inspired community.”

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