High-tech addresses: where to find Indiana's technology parks.

• Author: Skertic, Mark
• Position: Real Estate & Construction

When ground was broken for InTech Park in 1999, those involved wanted it to be a business setting unlike any Indianapolis had seen before, recalls Jack Hogan.

Indianapolis and other cities already have industrial parks, and they have beautiful office complexes. 'Here, the concept was to develop a technology park--a park that would have technology companies and companies like Alcoa that need a great technical environment to conduct business," says Hogan, senior vice president of Lauth Property Group.

InTech, on the northwest side of Indianapolis, is one of the next generation of business parks, a place with fiber-optic networks, redundant power supplies and an environment intended to nurture the creative juices of high-tech professionals. Communities in several spots around the state are developing similar places as part of their strategies to remain economically competitive in an increasingly high-tech economy.

A generation ago, cutting-edge industry needed ready access to transportation, utilities and room to operate. Today, cutting-edge industry needs the Internet, fiber-optic networks, wireless connections and access to others who are inventing and refining new technologies.

The parks vary in size and resources, but they share the common mission of offering software developers, researchers and other high-tech users the resources needed to be competitive. For these communities, the investment in the parks and necessary technology is an investment in their own futures.

The state's industrial base remains more suited to 20th century needs, a recent analysis by the Indiana Economic Development Council found. That report, "Break Away Growth," recommends that only "through high performance and innovation will Indiana gain a competitive edge that is sustainable for the next 20 years."

Communities in Indiana must consider how the needs of industry are changing, says Jonathan Bond, the council's manager of operations. "There's an old saying--if you're standing still you're really moving backward," he says. "The faster the world moves, the more true that becomes.

When designing InTech, care was taken to consider the creative as well as high-tech needs of industry. Ponds, streams and more than two miles of walking paths were included. "We've created an environment that helps attract and retain employees," Hogan says. "Volleyball, basketball, free concerts in the park. We've tried to create a green area in the center of the park." Located on 210...