Colworth Park revisited
UKSPA News
Colworth Park revisited
Many of the leading figures in the UK science park sector gathered at Colworth Park in Bedfordshire for the UKSPA Conference in February – putting the growing science park firmly on the map
The conference , which is recognised as the leading calendar event for the knowledge economy , saw a significant increase in numbers with more than 150 delegates in attendance .
There were two main themes of the February conference : the identification of centres of science and innovation excellence and the engagement of private sector developers and investors in science parks .
Identifying centres of science and innovation excellence Giles Richardson , the Assistant Director and Policy Lead for Place in the Research Team in BIS provided an update on Science and Innovation audits – the government ’ s ambitious programme of research to identify and assess key sectors and geographic areas where there are key strengths in science and innovation . Kicked off in July by BIS Minister Jo Johnson , they have now received 26 proposals from consortia .
The critical questions are how Science and Innovation Audits are to be carried out in practice , who will undertake the primary research and what types of intervention might follow . It was clear that science parks are well placed to provide the practical support that LEP consortia will require – though how far this is recognised by LEPs is a little unclear , and points to the importance of the UKSPA Membership to become ever more engaged in their local and regional economic partnerships .
Paul Mason , Deputy Director of
UKSPA Chairman Dr David Hardman addresses the conference
Colworth Park has created a dynamic and collaborative tenant community
Research and Chief Scientific Adviser at Innovate UK , provided a contrasting perspective . Faced with cutbacks in their budget , Innovate UK are engaged in a strategic re-think including the option of shifting away from grants towards the use of loans , and perhaps equity share in businesses they are supporting .
However , Innovate UK ’ s model is essentially a centralist approach with a communications system built around its KTN structure . Chis Musson at Liverpool Science Park asked what Paul saw as the role of science parks . Paul Mason replied that in essence this was not his field of expertise , but reinforced the fact that engagement with Innovate UK is key . Members found this all rather frustrating as UKSPA engages from the national position , and local parks from their own perspectives , but it still appears that the messages of the value of science parks to the national innovation ecosystem still has some way to go .
As an example of a practical science and innovation audit , the analysis of the high value engineering cluster being undertaken by SQW for a consortium led by Silverstone Park has the prospect of being an excellent case study of what needs to be done . Building on the pioneering linkages studies of the Cambridge Phenomenon , the study has the promise of providing an insight into why a high value engineering cluster has developed , what its key features are and what factors need to be addressed to enable it to grow . It is also a best practice example of how to research a market and build a relationship with high value engineering firms and promote Silverstone as a hub . The results of the research are due to be published in the near future .
Private sector-led science parks The meeting also presented an opportunity to reflect on the changing role of the private sector in the development of science parks . In the last 12-18 months there have been many very significant deals . LaSalle Investment Management has recently sold their holding in five of their six sites in the Best Network to a joint venture between the US private equity firm Angelo , Gordon & Co and Trinity Investment Management .
Alex Price , the CEO of Palmer Capital provided background about its investment in Colworth Park and Discovery Park in Sandwich . The existence of strong anchor tenants and the prospect of housing were clearly key factors in their decision .
20 SUMMER 2016