Cushioning Global Impacts
The UK Science Park Association (UKSPA) convened for its Winter Conference in Manchester this month. UKSPA represents, promotes and supports a diverse network of members that includes science parks, research campuses, city-based innovation districts, technology incubators and innovation centres across the UK and beyond. Through a programme of sharing good practice, networking, communication, research, promotion and advocacy, UKSPA exists to sustain and develop this vital economic sector.
Multiple challenges and opportunities for the science and innovation sector were on the agenda, with key topics including:
- The Global Energy Crisis - possible measures to mitigate energy costs
- Innovation Districts - driving inclusive urban growth
- Economic Growth – the case for devolution to raise regional productivity and growth
- Sustainable Life Sciences - creating and delivering research facilities
- Cyber Resilience – challenges facing the science and innovation sector
- Innovation Support and Growth – city perspectives
Southampton Science Park was represented at the UKSPA event by Operations Director, Stuart Perry and Business Development Manager, Lucinda Lamont.
Stuart commented: “There’s no doubt that businesses of all sizes and levels of maturity are facing multiple challenges at the moment. The agenda summed these up well – issues round energy, cybercrime, the environment and productivity all culminating into one assault course for business leaders to tackle. It’s quite clear, however, that innovation communities like ours here in Southampton are helping to cushion these global impacts and working to create resilient British businesses.”
Lucinda added: “I was extremely pleased to attend my first UKSPA conference this December. Having the opportunity to speak to so many others working across the industry reinforced for me, the health and vibrancy of the technology and innovation sector. It really is a great place to be right now. I’m thrilled that Southampton Science Park will be hosting UKSPA’s Spring Conference next March so we can pick up on these topics and give us an opportunity to showcase the abundance of creativity and talent that we have in our region.”
The UKSPA Spring Conference will be held on 16-17 March at Southampton Science Park’s Axis Conference Centre.
