UKSPA Directory
UKSPA Quality Initiatives
What is UKSPA ASPIRE ?
ASPIRE is the continuous improvement framework endorsed by UKSPA which has been created by our Science Park Members .
The process enables Managers and their teams to access , adapt , and evolve existing industry best practice with the support of an experienced practitioner . The independence of the practitioner provides an objective view of your operation , facilitates a credible bespoke development plan , and provides an impartial review of progress towards meeting that plan .
ASPIRE provides the Management Team with a bespoke plan for continuous improvement , which has been developed through an accredited process and which may also be used to meet the needs of the various stakeholders of your facility .
ASPIRE also provides the organisation with an opportunity to be recognised for achieving excellence in the innovation ecosystem within which you operate .
How does the Process work ?
ASPIRE is a confidential process conducted in partnership between the participating organisation and an UKSPA Licensed Reviewer .
The process involves an initial in-depth review of key aspects of your organisation , discussion to establish identified key goals , an agreed timetable of follow-up reviews to monitor progress , and an opportunity for your progression and success to be recognised .
Reviews and follow up meetings are taken at an agreed pace specific to each participating UKSPA Member . The responsibility is placed on the organisation to take action to achieve agreed goals identified in the initial review .
What is the Scope of the Review ?
A comprehensive ASPIRE Review might be expected to examine all the following characteristics of an UKSPA Member : Purpose and Strategy , Governance , Business Case / Plan , Policies , Management , The Premises Offer , Business Support , Innovation Support , The Local Context , The Local Knowledge Economy , and Results .
What happens then ?
An effective Review will identify issues / opportunities , and consider which are likely to benefit the UKSPA Member through informing the development of strategy , and addressing potential weaknesses or gaps in strategy .
In cases where improvements are not recommended or suggestions have been made , UKSPA will formally recognize the achievement through an ‘ UKSPA Innovation Excellence ” award with the attendant promotional benefit to the particular UKSPA Member and the innovation community as a whole .
What is UKSPA INSPIRE ?
The Inspire Monitoring and Development Process © for business incubation is essential for business incubation and other early-stage growth environments such as innovation center ’ s and business incubation activities within science parks .
Based on the national Business Incubation Development Framework ( BIDF ), it covers ‘ physical ’ and ‘ virtual ’ activity that provides specialist and targeted business growth support and development to early stage companies .
In addition , the Inspire Monitoring and Development Process © provides quality assessments for stakeholders , funders and supporters helping them identify and then develop better practice leading to the application and public recognition of best practice in business incubation .
Inspire enables you to identify and develop best practice in your particular environment , city or region , maximise investment in your environment / s , prove the impact of your environment , identify strengths and weaknesses and provides detailed action plans and strategic input to ensure that your business support infrastructure is providing the right environment for sustainable growth and development .
UKSPA , as the national body for business incubation , have launched the Inspire Monitoring and Development Process © which benchmarks business incubation against best practice through UKSPA ’ s Business Incubation Development Framework . Throughout the UK , Inspire is being written into public funding criteria .
The process is straight forward and cost effective . Your environment will be assessed using the nationally and internationally recognised Business Incubation Development Framework ; identifying compliance with best practice and measuring and evaluating impact .
Development of Your Environment :
• Takes an in-depth objective look at your Business Support Processes
• Sets out an achievable plan to take your environment to the next level
• Prove your effectiveness to your stakeholders
• Offer a better service to your clients
• Nationally recognised Accreditation
• Maximise return on investment
Development of your Team
• Highlights strengths and training needs for the members of your team
• Helps deliver a better more focused serviced to clients
• Evaluate your team members as part of the UKSPA Certificate in Business Incubator Management
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