UKSPA - Breakthrough Issue 7

The United Kingdom Science Park Association magazine | Issue 7 | Spring 2019

33. UKSPA/S-LAB CONFERENCE

48. UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM’S VISION

68. WELLBEING IN RESEARCH ENVIRONMENTS

Life Science The growth of city led innovation

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WELCOME

Knowledge is the growth resource

UKSPA Honorary Chairman Dr David Hardman MBE looks forward to UKSPA’s 35th Anniversary Event…

T

his edition of Breakthrough coincides with UKSPA’s 35th Anniversary Event in association with S-Lab which is being held in Birmingham in early April. Yuval Noah Harari opines that “Knowledge is a growing resource – the more you use, the more you have” 1. Our conference celebrates innovation ecologies in science and research parks, campuses, innovation centres and urban districts fuelled by this growing resource; rather than past industries based on raw materials and energy that are exhaustible.

The Birmingham conference will explore the relevance of the Science Park brand in a future where city-based innovation districts are seen as engines for economic development. It will address the rural agenda and, at a time currently dominated by Brexit, discuss how international partnerships can help ensure a continued refresh of the drivers of innovation.

The serendipitous collisions of ideas and opportunities and the role of ‘place’ in a connected digital world and shared work-spaces will be discussed.

UKSPA

The United Kingdom Science Park Association, Chesterford Research Park, Little Chesterford, Essex CB10 1XL T: 01799 532050 E: info@ukspa.org.uk W: ukspa.org.uk

Cross-disciplinary and academia/ industry communication, collaboration and innovation with universities and commercial/public sector research environments will be explored. As will efficient and effective operation of Life Science laboratories facilities and related innovation/research spaces.

A SPRINGBOARD FOR SUCCESS

The conference will showcase the latest trends across the UKSPA Membership; but we also need it to be a springboard to future success. Innovations are being driven at a pace never seen before - it seems unlikely that there will ever be a time again when the status quo will be acceptable. This will need to be reflected in the type and location of the accommodation on offer as we address the needs of the innovators and entrepreneurs of the future.

The move back to the 24/7 urban live-work-play culture means that city-based innovation districts will be the real places for innovation; nothing new, it is what drove the Industrial Revolution.

Today’s Innovation Districts maintain

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elements of earlier models where high concentrations of [manufacturing] enterprises engaging in similar or complimentary work facilitated local supply chains, and a fluid supply of workers lived in the surrounding communities and walked to work.

Today, they also need to embody new interplays demanded by economies where supply chains and markets are global.

I look forward to welcoming you all to the Conference here in Birmingham in April. The UKSPA Membership locations currently provide space for over 5,000 businesses employing around 88,000 people. The vast majority of the locations are all but fully occupied; there is the opportunity to grow and diversify our locations as we attract new stake-holders and this has to be of economic importance in a post Brexit knowledge-led world. ■ From ‘Homo Deus: A brief history of tomorrow’ 2015 (ISBN: 9781784703936) 1

All comments and feedback should be forwarded to the UKSPA team: info@ukspa.org.uk

Breakthrough is published on behalf of UKSPA

by Open Box Media & Communications, Regent Court, 68 Caroline Street, Jewellery Quarter, B’ham B3 1UG. T: 0121 200 7820.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the consent of UKSPA.

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CONTENTS

Advocacy

ADVOC

ACY

UKSPA m ember su rvey

A co lle ct io n

16

of in si gh ts fr om th e 2018 -19 re se ar ch

10 UKSPA IN LONDON News from UKSPA’s latest conference

120,000

on ou r m em be rs

people are employed on UKSPA member

82% brand of location /prestige 80% loca tion 77% Conn ectivity (br oadband / 69% Avail Fibre optic ability of hig ) hly-skilled 65% Prese workforce nce of ‘an ch or’ tenants 63% Unive

locations

Science Pa RESEARCH 14 SECTOR rk employe es: 80,000 | researc h & techno A snapshot of theothlatest er jobs, inc data luding opera logy organisations 25,000 | Inn tional mana ovation Ce gement an ntre emplo d support INFOGRAPHIC from UKSPA members UKSPA yees: 11,00 staff 4,000 0 4% Unknow 68% n Key findings from the latest 5% other 20 OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS UKSPA Member Survey 7% Not for profit organ isations % Subsidiari Major survey of large 16 R&D es of multi-site companies 68% Indepen companies points to future dent single-site companies opportunities tenant

Companie over two thi s rds of ten ant comp locati

ons are ind anies on UK ependent SPA memb single site er companies

rsity/Ihe pre sence/link s

77%

25%

42%

of UKSPA members see lack of housing as affordable a constraint on future success

71%

Year of op ening of UKSP

70%

A location s opened aft er 2000

17.2% Pre 1990 12.6% 19 90s 31% 20 00s 39.1% 20

Impact

Innovation

10s

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4,000+

networking events we re hosted UKSPA me by mber locati ons, of wh almost 1,2 ich 00 promo between ten ted collaboration ant compan ies

Contributo rs to succ ess

over three quarters of UKSPA me of connec mbers belie tivity (broa ve their pro dband/Fibr important e Network vision contributio s) is n to the su ccess of the an ir location

93%

48

53%

reAd o NlINe

At: u k s pa . o

rg.uk /

breakt

LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY SCIENCE AND ENTERPRISE PARK The journey from idea to impact- establishing one of the UK’s largest Science Parks

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of location s offer inc ubation se support. 75 rvices or % of these locations specialist provide incubation space

of location s pro with 79% off vide meeting room facilities, ering confe rence spac e

5,800

companies and organ isations occupy sp ace on UK SPA member loc ations

4,000

companies located on UKSPA Sc ience Parks

1,300 companies located on UKSPA inn 38 GEARING UP 2.4% ovationTO centres Growing UK Research and 5 0 0 research an d tecdeliver hnology Development to organisatio ns key target

of members provide oc cupiers wit access to h specialist financial ad vice

hrough

THE GLOBAL UNIVERSITY AT THE HEART OF AN AMBITIOUS CITY Professor Tim Softley, Pro Vice Chancellor looks at University of Birmingham’s vision for the future

73

of UKSPA members offer access to child care facilities

SPrINg

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40 MIRA TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE Innovative solutions to meeting the automotive skills challenge | 17

44 FROM START-UP TO SCALE-UP R&D Society says that Innovation is key to economic growth

68 WELLBEING IN RESEARCH ENVIRONMENTS Impact of wellbeing on innovation 70 CELEBRATING SUCCESS A look at some of the finalists in the UKSPA 2019 Awards 77 DUTCH LESSONS Steijn Ribbens on making an impact in Holland

Welcome to Breakthrough, your UK Science Park Association magazine

TALK OF THE TOWN Andrew Carter, CEO, Centre for Cities looks at the town and city economic growth

30 COLLABORATION TRENDS Developing the University of Glasgow’s Clinical Innovation Zone

Support

22

25 SUPPORTING LIFE SCIENCE The future for flexible laboratory space and shared facilities

33 THE GREAT EXHIBITION Showcasing the UKSPA/ S-Lab Conference Exhibition

54 TEN LIFE SCIENCE BUSINESSES TO WATCH Beauhurst considers the ambitious life science companies looking to grow in 2019

63

Growth

52 GROWING A THRIVING INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM Looking at a fantastic first year for the West Midlands Innovation Alliance

ENGINE FOR GROWTH Celebrating Engine Shed and the growing Bristol Innovation Cluster

66 SCIENCE PARK PIONEERS 35 years of UKSPA – What has happened to the earliest Science Park members?

SCIENCE AND INNOVATION WITHOUT BORDERS John Leake looks at Sci-Tech Daresbury’s international appeal

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82 COMPARING PERFORMANCE Luis Sanz, Director General of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation, asks how do we measure the performance of innovation locations?

Trends

78

80 INTERNATIONAL TRENDS Findings of the International Association of Science Parks 2018 Survey

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UKSPA VISION & MISSION

Taking Stock

Jim Duvall is Executive Director of the UK Science Park Association (UKSPA); the authoratitive body on the planning, development and creation of science parks and other innovation locations

W

elcome to the Spring issue of Breakthrough.

The last few months have been a particularly interesting one for the UK Science Park Association as, against a backdrop of continued political uncertainty, we have been preparing for our National Conference at the University of Birmingham on 2 and 3 April, looking at raising our national and international profile, considering the results of our Member research as well as meeting with colleagues at our Imperial College London event in January. This issue touches on all of these topics.

Our National Conference – at the time of writing – has almost 500 people registered to attend. This will deliver significant opportunities to take stock of current initiatives, share good practice (particularly with our members who are finalists in the 2019 UKSPA Awards) and network with colleagues and other stakeholders.

The added value features of our conference include a pre-event day at MIRA Technology Park on 1 April with an opportunity to take a closer look at the new MIRA Technology Institute (see page 40) as well as visit the conference exhibition (page 33).

Our second joint event with S-Lab provides an opportunity for delegates

to reflect on the many success stories from the sector and this also will see a significant amount of research delivered at the conference with presentations ranging from Innovation Location ownership models to the growth of City-Led Innovation.

This issue of Breakthrough also considers both UKSPA’s own research and that of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation. It is interesting to compare the results of the two surveys and look at the consistency in the make-up of our sectors but also the similarity from both sets of respondents’ on what it is that makes a successful innovation location.

IASP Director General Luis Sanz discusses the importance of performance data and benchmarking of innovation locations, in the magazine and this is an area that UKSPA will be addressing over future months. The data that was collected from our members provides the foundations for a significant number of follow on studies so that we can deliver better promotion of our members through evidence based advocacy.

While Brexit uncertainty has been a distraction in the run up to the Conference, the quality of the speakers from organisations ranging from CBI to the Campaign for Science

and Engineering will provide the perfect opportunity to reflect on current trends and future opportunities for UKSPA members and their occupiers.

The Science and Innovation landscape is changing and, with a number of our members soon to celebrate their 50th anniversary, it is pleasing to see in this issue how these early pioneers are adapting and delivering the support that the latest generation of entrepreneurs require.

As expectations for 24/7 live-workplay lifestyles are raised, the UK Urban population grows and ownership of many innovation locations change, it is important that UKSPA continues to take the opportunity this provides to become increasingly active in support of our members.

This can be helped by strengthening relationships with the kind of organisations who are contributing to this issue of Breakthrough such as AIRTO, the R&D Society, IASP and the Centre for Cities. This is part of a considered strategy to create partnerships for future collaboration.

I hope that you continue to find the UKSPA magazine of interest to you. ■

Please do not hesitate to contact me: info@ukspa.org.uk

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Advocacy

The world according to UKSPA and its Members

David Hardman (second right) addresses the audience at the first panel session, watched on by fellow presenters (l-r) Graham Hewson; Kay Faulkner; Michelle Duggan; and session chair Eulian Roberts (far right)

UKSPA gather at Imperial College White City Reflecting on the events at UKSPA’s January Conference

H

Adrian Sell COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, UKSPA

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eld on 17-18th January, well over 100 UKSPA members gathered at the Imperial White City Incubator and Imperial College ThinkSpace for the first UKSPA conference of 2019. This was a return visit to Imperial as, four years ago, we met at the College’s South Kensington Campus to see their initial plans for the proposed development in White City. The conference delivered an ideal opportunity to see the incredible progress made during that time, as well

as discussing the issues encountered and the solutions as the development became reality.

The sessions took place in the Molecular Sciences Research Hub, a state of the art facility bringing together over 800 scientists, clinicians, engineers and commercial partners under one roof.

Other sessions took place in the Translation and Innovation Hub (I-Hub) and the White City Incubator. I-Hub is the new home for innovation and collaboration and support the

C O L L A B O R AT I O N W A S T H E K E Y T H E M E T H R O U G H O U T T H E T W O D AY S , A N D W A S V E R Y M U C H A P R E C U R S O R T O A P R I L’ S U K S P A / S - L A B N AT I O N A L C O N F E R E N C E

co-location of organisations linked to specific research and development partnerships. Collaboration was the key theme throughout the two days, and was very much a precursor to the UKSPA/ S-Lab national conference taking place at University of Birmingham on 2-3 April.

The Conference saw key panel sessions which included hot topics such as city led innovation, the changing environment for flexible space and Incubation and the city. Once again, the panel sessions proved highly engaging with thought provoking debates throughout.

AN HONOUR TO HOST

Following a welcome from UKSPA honorary chairman David Hardman, Eulian Roberts, CEO, Imperial ThinkSpace, explained the principles of the campus as a vibrant place open to all, where leading multi-disciplinary collaborators can come together to solve today’s biggest challenges.

This is not the end of the journey and Eulian concluded by saying that new scale-up space comprising 243,000 sq. ft, designed to house technology and digital companies, is scheduled for completion in late 2019.

Graham Hewson, Head of Incubation, Imperial White City, spoke on the foundation of entrepreneurship on the White Campus and added: “It is an honour to host the UKSPA member conference again, four years after the last time we had the opportunity. We are extremely proud to showcase the incredible development work that has been undertaken at Imperial in that time, which has seen the Imperial White City Campus become the heart of an innovation ecosystem in West London.”

The Imperial White City Incubator launched in November 2016, and within 18 months achieved full occupancy of its Laboratory and Office space. Three companies have graduated from incubation since launch, and clients have raised in excess of £85 million since 2016.

The Incubator operates with a vision to ‘Inspire, Incubate and Educate’ and applies its mission both to client companies and the Imperial community, as well as the community around White City and Hammersmith and Fulham.

PA N E L S E S S I O N S

The Panel session format once again proved popular during the two days.

The first panel session, chaired by Eulian Roberts, saw presentations from Kay Faulkner (Oxford Road Corridor Enterprise Zone Growth Manger, Manchester); Michelle Duggan (Partnership Officer, Newcastle Science City); David Hardman, (Managing Director, Innovation Birmingham) and Graham Hewson. Each session highlighted the challenges and opportunities in city led innovation, their

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respective vision and development opportunities, strategic partnerships and innovation adoption and spread, prompting lively debate amongst a full conference theatre.

A parallel session followed with Eugene Sayers, partner at architects Sheppard Robson, and David Gray, Divisional Director, ISG, the main contractor. They showed how through an agile approach to laboratory design they were able to convert an office building on the campus into a state of the art scientific research facility.

The past four years have also been pivotal for Bristol’s tech, digital and science start ups and in this session Nick Sturge (Engine Shed), Elaine McKechnie (Oxford Innovation) and Patrick Fallon (Unit DX) discussed the changes in incubation spaces and the support behind the city’s success stories. Reflecting over the last four years, Nick looked at incubation and the partner engagement in Bristol. The session continued with a discussion on the changes in Bristol and Bath - a city region with significant incubation assets, activity and very big ambitions and the lessons that were learnt.

‘LEFT BEHIND TOWNS’

Following a reception and conference dinner at the end of day one, day two started with a fascinating presentation from Andrew Carter, Chief Executive, Centre for Cities. Much has been made in recent times on ‘left behind towns’ particularly since the Brexit vote and government policy seeming to be aimed on major cities.

Discussion and debate will continue on the economic links between cities and towns, the roles cities play compared to towns and how this can inform policy.

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ADVOCACY

The Centre’s research explores the ways that cities, towns and villages work together and, clearly, the impact of cities goes far and wide beyond their boundaries, playing a crucial role in shaping their local and national economies.

A further panel session, chaired by David Hardman, was with Tom Carroll (Head of EMEA Corporate Research, JLL), Grant Powell (CEO, Central Working) and Eulian Roberts. A discussion and lively debate followed looking at the changing environment for flexible space, exploring the rise of Europe’s flex space growth and the resulting implications for investors and UK innovation locations.

SURVEY INSIGHTS

The debate carried forward into the networking break, followed by further sessions where Graham Hewson, Johannes Solzbach (CEO, Clustermarket) and Steven O’Connell (Association Director, RebelBio) discussed the White City shared laboratory, its successes and its challenges. Steven outlined their programme and how it benefits from the shared facilities before handing over to Johannes. Clustermarket specialise in supporting early stage, lab based companies, an online resource helping scientists, engineers and other technology pioneers to rent lab equipment from nearby institutions and find the best

Kay Faulkner (Oxford Road Corridor Enterprise Zone Growth Manager, Manchester) discussing Science and the City

service providers. Debate followed on the issues raised on the good practice and lessons learnt from the shared lab model.

Running concurrently was a session on research and data with Sue Foxley (Research Director, Bidwells), Jonathan Burroughs (CEO, Creative Places), John Leake (Business Development Manager, Sci-Tech Daresbury) and Malcolm Parry (CEO, Surrey Research Park).

Sue and Jonathan presented on the findings of their recent joint survey which, working with YouGov, included insight from 50 of the leading global S&T companies represented in the UK. Over half said they plan to increase global spending on R&D over the coming five years. More about the Survey’s findings and conclusions can be found on page 20 of this issue.

Graham Hewson (Head of Incubation, Imperial White City) shows how the IWC Incubator provides the foundations for entrepreneurship on the campus

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John Leake described the rationale behind the Sci-Tech Daresbury tenant survey and the invaluable insight it delivers on tenant company needs, opportunities and partnerships.

Compiling the data that communicates company growth, innovation and impact has been undertaken since 2007, and in this time, the number of companies doubled - from 46 companies to 97 on site. His target was the participation of 80% of tenants through face to face or telephone interviews. Data was captured through an online portal which sped up analysis and capturing this data has led to stronger relationships with tenant management teams. It has created an evidence base to support marketing and business development, as well as the unique impact on tenant companies.

Malcolm Parry concluded by discussing the initial findings of the research carried out to measure the level of collaboration between Surrey Research Park, its tenant companies and the University of Surrey.

Concluding the two days’ activity, UKSPA Executive Director Jim Duvall thanked the delegates for such a lively interactive and thought provoking conference. Jim briefly presented the initial findings of the UKSPA survey and reminded all that the UKSPA/S-Lab conference is fast approaching on 2-3 April 2019. Particular thanks were extended to the hosts and in particular Eulian Roberts, Katrina Lowther and Graham Hewson for their hospitality and their input in creating and delivering such a lively two days, as well as UKSPA’S digital partners, JISC. ■

Presentations can be found on the UKSPA website: www.ukspa.org.uk

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A pre-conference event at MIRA Technology Park Dates of the event: 1 April 2019 Organiser: UKSPA Venue: Mira Technology Park City: Nuneaton Country: United Kingdom URL: www.ukspa.org.uk/Birmingham2019

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The 2019 UKSPA/S-Lab national conference, awards dinner and exhibition Dates of the event: 2-3 April 2019 Organisers: UKSPA Venue: University of Birmingham City: Birmingham Country: United Kingdom URL: www.ukspa.org.uk/Birmingham2019

IASP EUROPEAN DIVISION

Tech with a purpose, emerging technologies & enabling innovation ecosystems Dates of the event: 28-30 April 2019 Organiser: IASP Venue: Mjärdevi Science Park City: Linköping Country: Sweden URL: www.iasp.ws/activities/events/events-overview

BUSINESS OF SCIENCE 2019

Celebrating the commercialisation of science Dates of the event: 16 May 2019 Organisers: Business of Science Venue: Cloth Hall Court City: Leeds Country: United Kingdom URL: https://businessofscience.co.uk

IASP WORLD CONFERENCE

The 4th Industrial Revolution: areas of innovation and Science Parks as key boosters for a successful transition Dates of the event: 24-27 September 2019 Organiser: IASP Venue: La Cité Nantes Congress Centre City: Nantes Country: France URL: www.iasp2019nantes.com

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ADVOCACY

Research Matters A snapshot of the data revealed by the latest UKSPA member survey

I

n late 2018, the United Kingdom Science Park Association relaunched its Member Survey.

In addition to allowing our members to place their location in the context of the wider innovation ecosystem, it is an invaluable resource for UKSPA. The insights from this survey allows us to capture the size and value of our diverse membership and the contribution that is being made to the growth of the science and technology economy.

The full findings of the survey reveal a growing sector, with a complex ecosystem of inter-dependent locations that are diverse in scale, underlying occupier base and real estate characteristics. However, the research demonstrates that they share a focus in actively supporting the growth of small and emerging businesses within the fast growing and value-adding Science, Technology and Engineering sector.

A GROWING AND CHANGING SECTOR

Science Parks in the UK have been in existence for nearly 50 years. However, the growth of Science Parks and Innovation Centres into an established segment of both the property market and the wider economic sector, has been particularly marked in the postmillennial era.

Analysis of the age of locations by the year of first opening indicates that over two thirds of respondents to the survey represented locations that were established post-2000.

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H I G H VA LU E E M P LOY M E N T

The Science, Technology and Engineering sector is identified by Government as being central to the future growth of the UK economy. The sector delivers a relatively high value add in comparison to many industries.

Similarly, the employment growth it delivers includes a significantly high proportion of extremely skilled jobs.

KEY FIGURES

In total, an estimated 120,000 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs are based in the tenant companies and other organisations located on Science Parks and Innovation Centres across the UKSPA membership.

Total employment in the 5,300 tenant companies on member locations is an estimated 88,000 (FTE) jobs, while Research and Technology Organisations (RTO’s) are also significant employers with an estimated 25,000 staff working in RTO’s on member locations.

In addition, the operation of these locations generates a further 2,000 jobs directly (through operational and facility management teams as well as business support) and 1,400 jobs (including catering, grounds staff and security) indirectly through outsourcing.

Virtual companies - usually very small micro-businesses - also form an important part of the local innovation eco-system. These virtual tenants may well mature into physical tenants over time. The survey findings suggest that there are over 1,300 such virtual companies in existence employing 4,000 people.

GEOGRAPHIC ORIGIN O F C O M PA N I E S

Consideration of the geographic origin of occupying businesses indicates the importance of Science Parks and Innovation Centres to local economic development. Some 37% of tenant companies originated from within a 5-mile radius of their location and 75% from within a 30-mile radius.

Given the high proportion of single site, independent companies present across the sector, this indicates the extent UKSPA members assist in fostering start-up companies and entrepreneurial activity within their local economic catchment areas.

FUTURE RESEARCH

The full report also points to the further analysis and additional research that is needed to deliver the best possible value from the data. Our gratitude goes to those members who participated in the survey - we very much appreciate their time and support which allows us to paint such a comprehensive picture of membership activity and impact. ■

Read more at: www.ukspa.org.uk/research

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ADVOCACY

UKSPA member survey A collection of insights from the 2018-19 research on our members

120,000

people are employed on UKSPA member locations

Science Park Employees: 80,000 | Research & Technology Organisations 25,000 | Innovation Centre Employees: 11,000 Other jobs, including operational management and support staff 4,000

68%

4% Unknown 5% Other 7% Not for profit organisations 16% Subsidiaries of multi-site companies

68% Independent

single-site companies

Tenant Companies

42% of UKSPA members see lack of affordable housing as a constraint on future success

Over two thirds of tenant companies on UKSPA member locations are independent single site companies

Year of Opening

70% 17.2% 12.6% 31% 39.1%

of UKSPA locations opened after 2000

Pre 1990 1990s 2000s 2010s

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4,000+

networking events were hosted by UKSPA member locations, of which almost 1,200 promoted collaboration between tenant companies

82% 80% 77% 69% 65% 63%

Brand of location/prestige Location Connectivity (Broadband / Fibre Optic) Availability of highly-skilled workforce Presence of ‘anchor’ tenants University/IHE presence/links

77%

Contributors to success Over three quarters of UKSPA members believe their provision of connectivity (Broadband/Fibre Networks) is an important contribution to the success of their location

25%

of UKSPA members offer access to child care facilities

71%

of locations offer incubation services or support. 75% of these locations provide specialist incubation space

93% 53%

5,800

companies and organisations occupy space on UKSPA member locations

4,000

of locations provide meeting room facilities, with 79% offering conference space

companies located on UKSPA Science Parks

1,300

companies located on UKSPA innovation centres of members provide occupiers with access to specialist financial advice

R E A D O N L I N E AT: U K S PA . O R G . U K / B R E A K T H R O U G H

500

research and technology organisations

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ADVOCACY

Your Say...

Academic and industry experts deliver comment on the UK’s approach to the future of R&D

PreMediaare “Our universities recognised around the world Please can you cutout head, resize and prepare as centres of research and for press etc... knowledge. At the same Thanks! time, Britain is a country brimming with entrepreneurs and innovators. We want to bring these two assets together, so that businesses and universities can benefit from what each other has to offer 1.”

Robert Jenrick, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury

“Research and development (R&D) is fundamental to improving future living standards, as well as tackling some of the greatest challenges and opportunities, such as those identified in our Industrial Strategy Grand Challenges2.”

Chris Skidmore, Science Minister

“Our universities are among the best in the world, and when they join forces with our ambitious and innovative small businesses, they have the potential to meet the grand challenges of the future3.”

Chris Skidmore, Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation

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“Last year, the UK biotech sector raised over £2.2bn in capital to finance R&D and business growth. That’s £1bn more than in 20174.”

Dr Martin Turner, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the BioIndustry Association

HAVE YOUR SAY Tweet your opinions @UKSPA

“Science is a universal culture, spanning all nations and faiths. So, scientists confront fewer impediments on straddling political divides. They owe it to their fellow citizens to maximize the societal benefits of their discoveries and minimize the downsides5.”

Lord Rees of Ludlow: On the Future: Technology and Environmental Stresses in 2050 and Beyond. Lord Speaker’s 2019 Lecture Series

“It takes great science, people, and money to build a successful research and innovation ecosystem.

2019 is going to be a very important year for all three4.”

“Evidence shows that universities are major contributors to the provision of incubators and PreMedia accelerators in the UK, particularly in areas of Please can lower you cutoutproductivity head, resize and prepare and technology development. for press etc...

This funding will build on these strengths to Thanks! identify and spread best practices.”

Dr Martin Turner, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the BioIndustry Association

Alice Frost, Director of Knowledge Exchange at Research England

“As a University, we firmly believe that our research expertise can make a valuable contribution to progress, both by using technology and ideas to solve some of the problems we’ll face in the future, and by creating opportunities for the partners we work with and the people of our home city.”

Professor Shearer West, Vice Chancellor at University of Nottingham

New university-business partnerships to boost jobs and local economies - 28 February 2019.

2 Science and innovation audits: wave 3 summary reports - 8 March 2019.

3 New university-business partnerships to boost jobs and local economies - 28 February 2019.

4 CASE Blog at www.sciencecampaign.org.uk/news-media/guest-blog/biotech-fundraising-is-cause-for-celebration.html.

5 www.parliament.uk/business/news/2019/march/lord-speakers-lectures-lord-rees-technology-and-environment-2050-/ 1

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ADVOCACY

A period of opportunity ahead If the UK can capitalise on its economic potential

John Sommerville MANAGING DIRECTOR, CREATIVE PLACES

Y

ouGov, on behalf of Bidwells and Creative Places, has recently launched the finding of its major survey of large R&D companies to understand their requirements and preferences as they look ahead to plans for the future.

The organisations surveyed by YouGov were significant players, with widespread international representation. Over 80% of organisations employed more than 1,000 people globally and those surveyed had a combined global R&D spend of £21bn. Their focus stretched across business sectors and all had R&D representation in the UK. While London and the South East accounted for half of R&D activities for those companies surveyed, the spread was nationwide.

The survey results point to a strong global growth story for the R&D sector.

Over half of organisations reported increased expenditure on R&D over the last five years. In a highly competitive environment, respondents highlighted a growing focus on improving efficiency, improving the success rate and reducing the cost of failed research. This chimes

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with our experience of how organisations are moving rapidly to an Open Innovation model where partnering and collaboration is key to developing products and services more efficiently – and where innovation hotspots are finding growing demand.

The survey asked occupiers what the most important considerations were when considering where to locate their R&D activity. The top five were: 1. Ease of retaining and recruiting staff 2. Availability of ultra-fast and high volume data connectivity 3. Availability of property to grow your R&D activity 4. Availability of amenities in a 24/7 environment 5. Availability of support professionals/ financial services In an industry fuelled by brain power, it is not surprising that the ability to find and retain talented people is top of the list, and those locations that have strong teaching and research concentrations alongside a thriving business R&D environment are finding growing demand.

More than half of those responding ranked City district locations as their number one choice, representing a major shift from the corporate R&D campuses of yesteryear.

In terms of what facilities are seen as most important, public transport hubs were ranked number 1 – by some distance – with proximity to housing, amenities and staff facilities also featuring prominently.

So, what does this mean for the UK R&D real estate landscape? There is no

doubt that innovation districts in major cities are playing an increasingly important role in housing R&D activity, with the ease of connectivity (in all senses), 24/7 amenity and links to housing.

Kendal Square in Boston has led the way, and in the UK places like Kings Cross and White City in London – offering close proximity to UCL and Imperial College – are seeing major companies taking large amounts of space. Temple Quarter in Bristol, Oxford Road Corridor in Manchester, Leeds Innovation District and Knowledge Quarter in Liverpool are all playing to this story and are competing hard for major occupiers alongside the SME clusters they are already building.

Science and research parks and campuses still have a crucial role to play too. They need to highlight their offer in terms of being places where talented people cluster, facilitating company growth. They need to continue to work on providing and selling the benefits of really good IT connectivity and ensuring that there is an available stream of real estate.

Their partners in the public sector still have a crucial role to play in facilitating this and we see a growing cohort of private sector investors with knowledge of the sector to help plug the funding gap. In a post Brexit world, the UK will need our sector to thrive - listening and responding to business needs will be vital. ■

Download the research at: www.creativeplaces.com/ourthinking

Start, Grow, Innovate.

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Enabling companies in science and tech to form, collaborate, grow and scale

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On and off site services for your business

Talk of the Town

Understanding economic growth and change in UK cities

O

ne of the most frequently debated divides exposed by the UK’s departure from the European Union is the supposed cultural, economic and political divergences between the cities and towns.

The idea that towns have ‘lost out’ to cities in recent years has developed popular currency but fails to fully appreciate the true nature of the relationship between the two, and the differing roles that they play within the national economy. Our research has shown that, in addition to being instrumental to the overall performance of the national economy, cities also drive the economic success of nearby towns. With this in mind, a better understanding of the relationship between towns and cities is crucial if policy makers are to design strategies that unlock the economic potential of both.

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Andrew Carter CHIEF EXECUTIVE, CENTRE FOR CITIES

First, it is important to note that the preconception of cities as booming economic giants with towns their forgotten poor relation is untrue.

Many towns, particularly those in Southern England such as Winchester and Maidenhead, actually boast better economic outcomes than the national average. When compared to larger

urban areas such as Barnsley, Wakefield or Wigan, these towns steam even further ahead. However, very few towns have strong economies in their own right without close labour market links to a nearby city. Therefore investment in infrastructure, particularly transport links, between cities and towns is an important first step in maximising towns’ economic potential.

A second point to note is that towns benefit, rather than suffer, from their proximity to a city because cities provide jobs, particularly high-skilled ones, to towns’ residents. In 2011, 18% of towns’ populations commuted into cities. This amounts to almost 800,000 jobs – half of them highly skilled, highly paid.

Unsurprisingly, the greater the proportion of degree holders living in a town, the lower the unemployment rate tends to be. They may earn their wage in a city, but they spend much of it in the town where they live.

INVESTMENT IN INFR ASTRUCTURE, P A R T I C U L A R LY T R A N S P O R T L I N K S , BE T WEEN CITIES AND TOWNS IS AN I M P O R TA N T F I R S T S T E P I N M A X I M I S I N G TOWNS’ ECONOMIC POTENTIAL B O O S T T O N E A R BY T O W N S

But strong cities do not automatically draw talent and resources out of nearby towns. In fact, strong cities actually boost investment in nearby towns. Our research shows that towns close to strongly performing cities have a larger share of high-skilled jobs in their places. On the other hand, more isolated rural towns, or towns close to less productive cities, have worse employment outcomes. This suggests that a city’s economic success spills out into nearby towns as high-knowledge businesses locate there due to the links to larger prosperous urban centres.

Centre for Cities research has also found that the population flows between towns and cities are more nuanced than they are often portrayed.

While many young people are drawn to cities for increased learning, work and leisure opportunities, as they get older many move out of cities to raise their families. Overall, 40 percent of adults who moved out of cities have a degree; meaning that cities are net exporters of high-skilled people to towns.

towns, interventions must focus on dealing with the costs of growth, namely expensive commercial and residential property, transport congestion and poor air quality. In economically weaker cities and their nearby towns the focus must be on kick-starting growth. In addition to skills investment, strategies to improve the attractiveness of city centres to higher skilled exporting businesses are also important. In both strong and weak cities, investment in transport to improve connections to their closest towns should also be a priority.

D E V O LU T I O N S T R AT E G Y

The varying economic and infrastructure needs of different towns and cities means that a Whitehall-driven strategy to improve their prosperity is unlikely to succeed. Instead, the Government should continue with a devolution strategy that distributes political power and funding

down to the city-region level. Expanding the capabilities of the current metro mayors, as well as introducing them in big cities not currently covered by a devolution deal will be vital. The Communities Secretary’s recent announcement of his support for several new metro mayors for Yorkshire’s city-regions was an encouraging step forward in this respect.

Only when we move beyond the narrative that pits towns and cities against each other in a battle for success will we begin to develop effective strategies for improving both of their economic performance. A continued devolution of power and funding to city regions is the first step in doing this. ■

For further information, please visit: www.centreforcities.org

POLICY CHANGES

So if these economic links provide benefits to cities and towns, what are the policy changes that could be implemented to further improve these economic linkages and thus the success of both cities and towns?

First, we need a renewed focus on skills policy across all ages to provide people living in towns and cities with the knowledge that they need to find jobs and build careers wherever they live and work.

Second, we need to tailor our political interventions to the differing needs of places. In more economically successful cities and their nearby

R E A D O N L I N E AT: U K S PA . O R G . U K / B R E A K T H R O U G H

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Write-up space merged into laboratory space at the University of Nottingham’s GlaxoSmithKline Carbon Neutral Laboratory for Sustainable Chemistry

users whilst building areas were refurbished. This ‘swing’ space could be converted for chemistry, biological or office space functionality.

A number of key areas were considered: Alan Fox MCIBSE CEng DIRECTOR, SECTOR LEAD, LABORATORY AND PHARMACEUTICAL DESIGN, BUILDING ENGINEERING, AECOM

T

oday’s dynamic science environment and the changing make-up of users over the lifetime of a building demand a flexible design approach.

Whilst some spaces may require a bespoke solution, alternative building uses should be considered such as increasing laboratory space within office areas or converting laboratory space to office areas, meeting rooms or computational areas. In addition, the nature of science often requires changing laboratory servicing strategies.

A recent project comprising a multiple phased refurbishment programme of chemistry and biology laboratories reviewed how changes could be addressed. The design approach reviewed how the laboratories would, or could be, adapted over a 5-10 year lifespan. A key driver was creating a ‘swing’ space to facilitate decanting science function and

• Optimal size of fume cupboards taking into account low air volume, high-containment designs and minimal air supply and extract systems • Using fixed, flexible service nodes or demountable services booms • Fume cupboards and services booms treated as mobile ‘furniture’ to allow a ‘plug ‘n’ play’ approach • Anticipated frequency of change • Utilisation of laboratory outlets Design studies were undertaken using 3D modelling and visualisation to assist the client, facilities team and users to consider space conversion. This approach was also extended to plant areas to demonstrate the ease of services extension.

The final design comprised: • Servicing to laboratory benches by a mid-level ceiling-mounted boom • Ceiling tracks to allow easy installation or removal of booms

R E A D O N L I N E AT: U K S PA . O R G . U K / B R E A K T H R O U G H

• High-level services ‘nodes’ with isolation valves for easy extension • Relocatable fume cupboards to simplify removal or relocation • Using fume cupboard extract spigots as thimble connections for microbiological safety cabinets • Easy adaptation of air flow and environmental controls • Keeping wet services to perimeter locations • Defining an optimum level of piped outlets based on a utilisation study where only 3% of hard piped gas outlets and 85% of power outlets were used with the biggest additional requirement being single and 3-phase power outlets • The use of shared ‘equipment corridors’ allowing access to communal equipment immediately outside the laboratory These principles were adopted in the design of the University of Nottingham’s GlaxoSmithKline Carbon Neutral Laboratory for Sustainable Chemistry where one laboratory space was designed to merge write-up space into the laboratory space to allow the functionality to expand or contract as users’ needs dictated. ■

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SUPPORT

The new ÂŁ11.4m cTAP technology facility contains over 10,000 sq. ft of space for chemistry research

Over 3,000 partnerships Engaging with the facilities at Lancaster University

T Dr Steve Fish FACULTY DIRECTOR, PARTNERSHIPS AND BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, LANCASTER UNIVERSITY

Steve manages an award-winning team of over 45 knowledge exchange specialists, embedded alongside researchers across campus

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he Partnerships and Business Engagement team at Lancaster University work with businesses of all sizes to understand, communicate, and solve business challenges, and have assisted over 3,000 businesses. They have helped build a thriving business community on the 560-acre parkland campus, hosting over 40 businesses in three bespoke facilities for digital, chemical, manufacturing, and environmental businesses.

In each facility, teams of experienced technicians and knowledge exchange specialists help each organisation source facilities, expertise and contacts to solve their research challenges. They also unite residents through a bespoke programme of socials, events, and training.

INFOLAB21

InfoLab21, School of Computing and Communications, a world-class research and innovation hub for computer science and information and communication technologies, houses their digital business

community. Businesses include those focusing on digital marketing, cyber security, networking, quantum technology, fire safety, and intelligent transport. An example of their innovation includes the development of intelligent video analytics technology to improve safety at rail and metro platforms and help ensure trains run on time. The technology detects objects and estimates their position in relation to the yellow line, rails, and coach doors, providing real time information to staff.

LANCASTER ENVIRONMENT CENTRE

At the Lancaster Environment Centre, environmental consultancies share facilities alongside a community of world-class environmental researchers and government scientists.

Facilities enable the integrated studies of terrestrial, aquatic and atmospheric systems, using chemical, biochemical, physical and biological analysis, and include glasshouses,

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IN OUR NE WEST F A C I L I T Y, cTA P, W E INVITE BUSINESSES TO WORK ALONGSIDE OUR RESE ARCHERS AND ACCESS A UNIQUE SUITE OF CUT TING-EDGE I N S T R U M E N TAT I O N A N D FACIL I T IE S W O RT H ALMOST £7M

controlled environment plant growth rooms, a noble gas laboratory, Centre for Biophotonics, and our soils and ecosystem ecology research laboratory. Current collaborative projects include testing crops in arid conditions, investigated crop stress responses, and developing unique light recipes for crops.

c TA P AT L A N C A S T E R

In the £11.4m cTAP facility, chemical and manufacturing businesses work alongside researchers from the Department of Chemistry. Part financed by the European Regional Development Fund, cTAP contains over 10,000 square feet of space housing £7m equipment in four shared suites - mass spectrometry and separations, nuclear magnetic resonance, microscopy and nanofabrication, and x-ray facilities.

Current projects using the facilities include engineering a molecule in green tea to develop medicines to treat heart attack and stroke, forensic analysis of materials for the police, investigating the properties of gin botanicals, and using chemistry to design and develop processes to reduce, re-use and recycle paint manufacturing and post-use waste. ■

For further information, please visit: www.lancaster.ac.uk/sci-tech/business/ office-space

R E A D O N L I N E AT: U K S PA . O R G . U K / B R E A K T H R O U G H

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S P R I N G 2 0 19 | U K S PA B R E A K T H R O U G H | 2 7

ADVERTORIAL Swansea University students making great use of the Sticky Campus Roadshow

Is Your Innovation Location Collaboration Ready?

S

Duncan Peberdy SENIOR LEAD, DIGITAL LEARNING, JISC

Since 2006, Duncan has specialised in technology solutions for learning spaces within the HE sector, working both for manufacturers and suppliers. He has also innovated the Sticky Campus Roadshow, a pop-up active learning classroom that recently became a Jisc R&D project

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cience Parks and other epicentres of discovery and innovation are populated with people and companies passionate about creating developments that can add value to individuals and society in many different ways, such as better health and healthcare.

Digitally-rich technology allows us to work almost anywhere on knowledgebased projects, and the ability to connect colleagues over distance with a great digital experience continues to advance.

But how often do we only come to our place of work because there is specialist equipment we need access to, rather than because it appeals to, or supports, our cognitive workload?

So, what if we had new working environments focused on supporting the generation of ideas and innovations that Science and Innovation Parks are renowned for? Collaboration spaces

which, unlike one-dimensional boardrooms so often used for non-Boardroom meetings, provide us with the feeling of arriving at a great destination for coming together to share ideas and create the new goods and services that bring about change.

LEARNING FROM LEARNING

Technology continues to change the way we chat, bank, travel and date, and education is not immune from the rapid pace of ever faster developments that are disruptive for some, and common sense for others. Universities are increasingly adopting technologies in small-group learning spaces that enable pedagogies to challenge and engage students and provide them with learning more suited for working and living in today’s world.

These developments not only benefit students, but also the institutions they choose to study at. But technology in isolation will not bring about these

T H E S T I C K Y C A M P U S R O A D S H O W, T H AT PROVIDES GUIDANCE AND ADVICE TO JISC’S MEMBERS ACROSS THE UK , C R E AT E S A P O P - U P A C T I V E L E A R N I N G C L A S S R O O M T H AT I S H O S T E D O N CAMPUSES FOR UP TO FOUR WEEKS, PROVIDING A RESOURCE UNLIKE ANY CONFERENCE OR E XHIBITION advantages; learning spaces are purposely designed to support small-group collaborations with pedagogies that have transformed from didactic to coaching and incorporate real-life scenarios and simulations to develop skills, with instant feedback and more rapid assessments.

As universities and colleges evaluate the benefits that new learning spaces provide to their students and themselves, Jisc has been running a UK-wide roadshow that explores not just the technology but all the many requirements that make such spaces successful. How do we measure success?

In an academic setting this includes students continuing their studies through to graduation with improving grades, good class attendance levels, and student engagement with real-life learning scenarios that help learning to ‘stick’ and which develop the ‘soft skills’ that are increasingly required for research or employment; critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and presentation.

identifies the digital vision is key to the overall strategic aims. The new spaces must ignite our passions for coming together and contribute towards a culture that also supports our mental well-being. If we want to generate products and services that define us, that push boundaries and push innovation to a new level and not just the next inevitable version of something already existing, then that starts with investment in the spaces where these great advances can be created.

The Sticky Campus Roadshow, that provides guidance and advice to Jisc’s members across the UK, creates a popup active learning classroom that is hosted on campuses for up to four weeks, providing a resource unlike any conference or exhibition. It’s a great opportunity for the many different stakeholders involved with these student-focused spaces to get their

hands dirty with the technology and new learning constructs, helping them to generate better informed decisions about their own campus developments.

This approach echoes the words of David Hardman, CEO of Innovation Birmingham, who rightly identified that “Innovation is a contact sport; you need people to come together to drive it.”

With the right spaces to support a range of different meeting requirements, another benefit is business agility that will be appreciated by a range of knowledge intensive businesses who will now have the facilities to respond to the different needs of their teams and their customers, not under special circumstances, but as a matter of everyday business. For Science Park owners, it demonstrates that its customers are the central focus of their organisations and helps to attract the next ones to locate with them.

The Sticky Campus Roadshow will be supporting UKSPA members to have collaborative meetings during the 2019 annual conference in Birmingham and extends a welcome to UKSPA members to visit the roadshow at it tours the UK during 2019. ■

More details can be found on the Jisc website: www.jisc.ac.uk/rd/projects/ sticky-campus-roadshow For more information, please email: duncan.peberdy@jisc.ac.uk or call 07778 158072

A meeting room transformation

D E S I G N I N G F O R C R E AT I V I T Y A N D C O L L A B O R AT I O N

The biggest change required isn’t simply technology or furniture that often creates a stunning visual difference, but a cultural shift that ensures these new ways of working which countless research projects confirm are a force for business improvement – are embraced, valued and become embedded into daily use.

Purposely creating the environments for innovation to flourish starts with great leadership that

R E A D O N L I N E AT: U K S PA . O R G . U K / B R E A K T H R O U G H

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SUPPORT The University of Glasgow’s new Imaging Centre of Excellence (ICE) houses the Clinical Innovation Zone

Collaboration Trends The development of the University of Glasgow’s Clinical Innovation Zone

I Dr Carol Clugston CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, COLLEGE OF MEDICAL, VETERINARY & LIFE SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW

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n the summer 2017 issue of Breakthrough Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Vice Principal at the University of Glasgow spoke of the ambitions that the University had for the Clinical Innovation Zone (CIZ) and its potential impact on industry engagement and collaboration. Much has been achieved over the last eighteen months.

The University of Glasgow’s Clinical Innovation Zone is located at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow, where it brings together world-leading research, a forward-thinking unitary health board and the brightest industry partners to form a ‘triplehelix’ approach to tackling global healthcare challenges.

Representing investment in excess of £70 million on the £1 billion newly developed hospital campus – which is the largest acute hospital in Western Europe – the CIZ is ensuring delivery of an exemplar UK Life Sciences cluster by driving Precision Medicine technologies and clinical innovation within a fully integrated healthcare system to enable translation and commercial innovation.

I N I T I AT I V E S A N D I N T E G R AT I O N Comprising key initiatives, the CIZ has solid foundations in internationallysignificant scientific research and innovation excellence, integrating initiatives in genomics, imaging, pathology, clinical trials, data and industry engagement. With the opportunity to integrate with

T H E C I Z I S D R I V I N G I N N O VAT I O N A N D P R E C I S I O N MEDICINE AS A DISRUPTIVE FORCE TO DELIVER THE R I G H T T R E AT M E N T T O T H E R I G H T P AT I E N T AT T H E R I G H T T I M E , W H I L S T C R E AT I N G J O B S A N D B R I N G I N G E C O N O M I C BENEFIT TO THE CIT Y OF GL ASGOW AND BE YOND workflows, processes, and being complemented by enabling infrastructure (including dedicated co-location space), the CIZ has attracted organisations from around the world, ranging from start-ups and spinouts to major corporate partners.

With integration across the QEUH campus, co-located organisations are also actively engaging with academic and clinical partners across up to six distinct University of Glasgow locations and several disciplinary boundaries.

The aggregation of these capabilities

will encourage the transfer of technologies and associated capabilities between industries, with the Precision Medicine growth opportunities being heavily reliant on a mix of rapidly converging technology areas.

Building on the CIZ and leading Precision Medicine expertise, the University of Glasgow was chosen by the UK Government to lead the BEIS Science and Innovation Audit for Precision Medicine in Scotland.

‘Innovation in Scotland: Accelerating Productivity Growth for Scotland and the UK’ maps Scotland’s research, innovation and infrastructure strengths in Precision Medicine to identify the opportunities for inward investment and regional growth.

A KEY ANCHOR LOCATION

As a result, the Scottish Precision Medicine Summit was convened by Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland, co-chaired by the University of Glasgow’s Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, and brought together CIZ

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organisations to inform future directions and policy alongside international experts and decision makers.

However, the CIZ has become a key anchor location for a much wider innovation-led investment strategy planned for across the city of Glasgow, which will include a series of customized collaborative spaces for industry partners, start-ups and spinouts to work alongside Glasgow’s world class academics.

As a true exemplar of what can be achieved from cities working in partnership, the CIZ is driving innovation and Precision Medicine as a disruptive force to deliver the right treatment to the right patient at the right time, whilst creating jobs and bringing economic benefit to the city of Glasgow and beyond. ■

For further information, please visit: www.gla.ac.uk/mvlsciz or email: mvls-innovation@glasgow.ac.uk

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Image: AlgaeCytes, Discovery Park

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ADVERTORIAL

Phil Kemp, CEO, Bruntwood SciTech

How innovation drives economic growth

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nnovation is the spark firing 21st century economies and a dominant theme in growth strategies far and wide. The creation of valuable intellectual property can happen anywhere from entrepreneurial start-ups through to multinationals, or be the product of university research.

The challenge before us all, is how to nurture, facilitate, and support innovators on the road to market?

This question is fundamental in our globalised economy. This era is marked by a fusion of disruptive technologies and breath-taking advances in areas such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, precision medicine, the Internet of Things, 3D printing and fully autonomous vehicles. To compete we have to ensure that innovation is front and centre in the UK. This is not a forgone conclusion.

The Industrial Strategy set out the government’s precedents of working with industry to boost total research spending and development to 2.4% of

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GDP by 2027. The context here is worth keeping in mind. According to World Bank figures, Korea (4.2%), Japan (3.3%), the United States (2.8%), Germany (2.8%), and China (2.07%) are already making a bigger commitment to R&D. The 2.4% UK target would put the UK 22nd on the OECD countries list, behind the likes of the Czech Republic, Iceland and Slovenia. The Office of National Statistics has itself observed that “overall R&D intensity in the UK has been fairly flat throughout the 21st Century, at or around 1.6-1.7%.”

Bruntwood SciTech, a 50:50 joint venture between leading property company Bruntwood and Legal & General is meeting this innovation challenge head on. Our focus is realising the potential of the science and technology sector in UK regional cities. Creating innovation districts that bring together public, private, academic and clinical partners to enable the roots of innovation to take hold and grow.

We very much welcome UKSPA’s decision to place global innovation at the heart of April’s conference. We are seeing an exponential increase in demand from start-ups and SMEs looking for incubation and acceleration services to support their growth. The desire for flexible office space coupled with specialist business support, and open innovation programmes that co-locate corporates and public sector organisations with entrepreneurs is a trend that continues to rise. It’s this appetite for innovation that will see our customer base grow to 1,500 companies over the next 5 years and create over 20,000 new jobs in the next ten years, supporting the UK to be at the heart of this global phenomenon. ■

Phil Kemp is attending this year’s UKSPA and S-Lab Conference on April 2nd and 3rd. To connect with him and meet the Bruntwood SciTech team, visit: bruntwood.co.uk/ukspa

The great exhibition A comprehensive look at all the exhibitors at the 2019 UKSPA/S-Lab Conference in Birmingham www.effectivelab.org.uk l www.ukspa.org.uk

A C H I E V E R M E D I C A L is a

comprehensive next-generation Sample Lifecycle Management Solution, providing something different to traditional Laboratory Information and Sample Tracking Systems.

A D P is a national, award winning,

architectural practice leading in the design of collaborative facilities for science, research, innovation, and enterprise.

A E C O M ’s specialist Science &

Innovation team work with clients across the life-cycle of their buildings and estate - from business case support and pre-construction advice, master planning and consulting.

A I R L I Q U I D E are the world leader in

gases, technologies and services for industry, academia, research and health.

Air Liquide is present in 80 countries with approximately 65,000 employees.

A P M G designs, manufactures and

installs high-quality, hard-wearing lab furniture for research, commercial, education and other scientific applications.

A R U P is the creative force at the heart

of many of the world’s most prominent projects in the built environment and across industry. Arup’s clients in science span academic, institutional and corporate sectors.

A U T O S C R I B E I N F O R M AT I C S is a leading supplier of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and Biobank Sample Management solutions and used by large and small laboratories and biobanks worldwide.

AV I D I T Y S C I E N C E are industry

leaders in the supply and maintenance of laboratory equipment; and a trusted UK manufacturer of Laboratory Water Equipment.

AV I S O N Y O U N G recognise that

Science Parks are a specialist type of place, designed to harness innovation, creativity and growth in today’s dynamic economy. Their specialist team has had close involvement with Science Park developments across the UK.

B D P is a collective of architects,

C L E A N A I R ’s fume cupboards

prioritise safety, containment and compliance. Looking for energyefficient options? Talk to them about alternative ways of achieving lower energy consumption with low volume, variable air volume and other energy-efficient choices.

C P P was the first US Company to

provide wind engineering services to architects and engineers. Our founders helped create the tools and methods that remain the standards of the industry.

C R I T I C A L A I R F LO W specialises in

B R U N T W O O D S C I T E C H is

manufacturers of hygienic GRP door solutions for the research and pharmaceutical sectors. Their innovative product range is engineered to satisfy end-user needs for safe, secure and reliable access.

German manufacturer of highly insulated fire resistant hazardous material storage cabinets.

A U S T I N C O M PA N Y provides

B U R O H A P P O L D - whether designing

in-house design, engineering and project management expertise specialising in the planning, design, construction management and validation of highly serviced laboratory and support facilities.

estate services and have extensive expertise supporting clients within Life Science/Scientific facilities and campusbased facilities, from a single building to an entire property portfolio.

designers, engineers and urbanists employing almost 1,000 people internationally. Established in 1961 and acclaimed for design quality, they combine expertise across the academic, commercial and healthcare sectors to produce innovative masterplans and buildings for science, research and technology.

creating a network of innovation districts; connecting the UK’s most ambitious cities, regions and science and technology communities through extensive opportunities for collaboration and access to their public, private, academic, clinical partner network.

A S E C O S G m b H is the leading

C B R E is a worldwide leader in real

new facilities with cost-effective sustainability led-construction or refurbishment to provide state of the art research space, BuroHappold understands that there’s a lot at stake.

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airflow control for laboratories and other critical spaces requiring accurate, repeatable, reliable and SAFE airflows.

Their systems ensure the environmental integrity of key facilities, providing safe, energy efficient, solutions, based on proven products.

D O RT E K is one of the world’s leading

E R L A B is the global leader in the

design and manufacture of laboratory filtration products for over 50 years.

Erlab is an innovator committed to safety, performance, energy efficiency and sustainability. Erlab has remained the leader in the world for filtered fume hoods, ductless fume hoods, and filtered storage solutions since 1968.

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E S S E N S Y S changes the way Science

Parks operate. Established in London in 2006, essensys provide mission-critical software to the Science Park and innovation centre industries.

E S S E N T I A , formed in 2013, is a unique

be used for meetings or training; deepwork or dining; to divide a space; to bring traffic in to an awkward area; to bring a corridor to life.

N O R A ® F LO O R I N G - In the versatile

consultancy business combining public sector values with private sector commercial agility. Wholly owned by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Essentia helps organisations get the most from their built environment, through a range of services.

environment of Industry and Life Sciences the most diverse requirements have to be fulfilled. The right floor is thus of crucial importance. From the chemical resistance of the floor to its electrostatic properties: nora® offers the right solution for many of these requirements.

F U N D E R M A X Whether it is a matter of

N O R R - with studios across the UK and

furniture, facades or interior fittings, FunderMax is always to be found at the interface between ideas and materials.

They understand architects, processors and the furniture industry - as well as the genuine decision-makers: customers.

G A S A R C are a world leading company

in the design, manufacture and supply of gas control products and systems. With a head office and manufacturing facility based in the UK, they have a long and successful heritage of producing quality application based solutions.

H E a T E D is a membership based

network of 70+ member institutions, predominantly in higher education, with 9,000+ registered technicians and are the leading national provider of professional development activities.

For nearly three decades, I S G has been providing construction solutions to some of the world’s most successful and enduring businesses, cities and institutions. ISG’s highly-specialised delivery teams across the technology, science and health sectors are well-versed in these industry forces.

J I S C is the UK higher, further education and skills sectors’ not-for-profit organisation for digital services and solutions. They are dedicated entirely to the sectors’ individual and collective needs, championing the importance and potential of digital technologies for UK education and research.

K N F - Innovative Laboratory Pumps and Rotary Evaporators. Whatever your pumping requirements are, whether it to be the transfer of neutral, corrosive or aggressive liquids or gases, KNF have the pumping solutions!

N O O K P O D S are plug-and-play

meeting and work spaces created to be a catalyst for agility and flexibility in an open work environment. Nook pods can

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internationally, architectural practice NORR’s Science and Research team has over 40 years of experience working with clients to develop Science Parks, individual headquarters buildings, research laboratories, bio-Incubators and support facilities.

P H C E U R O P E B . V. are specialists in the sales and support of temperature controlled biomedical and laboratory products for sample preservation and storage, medical and pharmacy storage, incubation, cell and tissue culture and in-lab sterilisation.

R O M E R O U K LT D / P R E M I E R L A B O R AT O RY S Y S T E M S are sister companies which are leading suppliers of modular laboratory installations (including the three S-Lab 2016 conference venues at Nottingham, Rothamsted and Strathclyde).

R W D I - As laboratory equipment

becomes increasingly sensitive and complex, facilities need specialised assessment and design services to ensure that their buildings support equipment performance while ensuring occupant comfort - both to promote well-being, and to support staff performance and retention.

S + B are one of Europe’s premier

laboratory furniture and fume cupboard manufacturers with all products designed and manufactured in the UK. Their Exemplaire range of laboratory furniture offers contemporary styling whilst providing heavy duty functionality.

T H E FA I R H U R S T S D E S I G N G R O U P ( F D G ) , founded over 120

years ago, is a leading architectural practice and has established itself as a trusted development partner with global reach, and offers architectural, masterplanning, interior design, space planning and landscape design.

T H E S U R R E Y R E S E A R C H PA R K

is a leading UK Science Park and one of the founding members of UKSPA. It is owned and managed by the University of Surrey and helps commercialise innovation and support start-up enterprises from both the University’s own academics and students, and the wider business community.

THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC

is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of more than $20 billion and approximately 70,000 employees globally. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer.

T R O X is dedicated to the design and

manufacturer of products and systems for ventilation and clean rooms.

UK RESEARCH AND I N N O VAT I O N is the new body which

works in partnership with universities, research organisations, businesses, charities, and government to create the best possible environment for research and innovation to flourish.

UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM E N T E R P R I S E manages the University’s Science Parks, business incubation and bio-incubation and provides enterprise training, and access to bespoke help with business planning, Intellectual Property commercialisation, R&D, product testing and translational funding.

V E O L I A WAT E R T E C H N O LO G I E S

specialises in delivering water purification systems and service support for a wide range of scientific applications.

They offer stand-alone equipment as well as complex central water systems and are the largest stockist of Lab fixtures in the UK.

WAT E R S AV E R L A B TA P S - Over a

period of 70 years, WaterSaver has grown to become the largest worldwide manufacturer of taps, valves, safety equipment and related products specifically for use in science laboratories.

W I L L M O T T D I X O N is a privately-

owned contracting and interior fit-out group that creates complex science and research facilities that bring out the best in the people who use them.

Correct at 6 March 2019.

Full stand information can be downloaded from www.effectivelab.org.uk/ birmingham-exhibitors

Choose the Ultra-low freezer that fits your professional needs perfectly

TwinGuard ultra-low freezers offer the highest level of protection through the use of two independent refrigeration systems.

VIP ECO ultra-low freezers with natural refrigerants minimise energy consumption, reduce environmental impact and save money.

www.phchd.com/eu/biomedical

Meeting the needs of today’s rapidly developing technology sector From early stage bookkeeping and payroll to R&D tax credits and advice on funding, structuring and exit, our specialist group provides help for technology businesses at all stages of their development, throughout the UK For more information as to how we can help you, please contact the Head of our Technology Team, Sue Staunton on +44 (0)1865 861166 or email sstaunton@jamescowper.co.uk

www.jamescowperkreston.co.uk

R E A D O N L I N E AT: U K S PA . O R G . U K / B R E A K T H R O U G H

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SUPPORT

Meeting the growth needs of a successful drug discovery company

David Lupson EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CAM-SCI KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT LTD

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ue to rapid expansion, Heptares Therapeutics, a clinical stage company creating novel medicines, had a pressing need to acquire fit for purpose biology and chemistry laboratories and offices.

UKSPA Affiliate member; CAM-SCI was appointed by the company to advise them on this critical stage of their growth because of CAM-SCI’s knowledge and experience in the Science Park sector and our understanding of the company’s business as well as their operational and scientific needs.

DECISION TO MOVE

With a growing head count and increased technical demands for its laboratories, Heptares Therapeutics reached the conclusion that, to deliver its business plan, a move from its base in Welwyn, to alternative premises was essential.

LO C AT I O N O P T I O N S A N A LY S I S

Geographically, the search area for premises for Heptares from the M25 to the south of Cambridge would appear extensive. However, with limited supply of appropriate laboratory or laboratory compatible office buildings, only four candidate locations were identified. Two of these were unlikely to be able to meet

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Heptares occupancy deadline but two other locations provided high quality propositions.

Following further review, and the completion of lease negotiations, Heptares agreed terms with BioMed Realty, the owners of Granta Park near Cambridge where the 36,000 sq. ft Flowers Building was to become available, although its specification had not anticipated laboratory use.

DEFINING THE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENT

Following the appointment of a suitable team of experienced design consultants, a structured process of briefing and design took place working closely with a number of Heptares User Groups.

The outcome of the design process was a need to convert an office building to one in which 75% of the floor area comprised biology and chemistry laboratories, with the balancing 25% comprising computational chemistry laboratory, offices and meeting rooms.

BUILDING CONSTRAINTS

The conversion of the Flowers (Office) Building to biology and chemistry laboratory use provided a number of challenges; all of which were overcome. In particular, the following proved to be testing:

• Plant Loft

A circa 15,000 sq. ft covered plant loft had to be installed which resulted in the addition of an entire floor to the former two storey building

• Structure

Because the office building had a steel frame, there was a need to re-inforce the frame, add risers and locate the heaviest items of plant only in certain areas

• Slab to Slab Height

An original office specification meant that the slab to slab height on both ground and first floors proved to be testing in terms of M&E design, although this was achieved successfully

• Electrical Power

There was a need to upgrade electrical infrastructure to the premises as a consequence of laboratory use

KEY POINTS TO NOTE

The success of the refurbishment of the Flowers Building to Laboratory use was achieved as a direct consequence of having a decisive CEO client able to make informed decisions based on clear advice.

Positive and proactive engagement of the Landlord, BioMed Realty, was essential.

Their understanding of life science company needs ensured they could come forward quickly with ‘fit for purpose’. ■

THE SUCCESS OF THE REFURBISHMENT WA S A C HIE V E D A S A DIR E C T C O N S E Q U E N C E O F H AV I N G A D E C I S I V E CEO CLIENT ABLE TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS BASED ON CLE AR ADVICE

A critical cluster of healthcare excellence

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ow, working in partnership, do we effectively and efficiently develop, translate and implement innovation that transforms patient care and delivers value to the patient, NHS and industry?

How we seek to address this challenge is central to the successful delivery of many aspects of both the Life Sciences Industrial Strategy and the NHS Long Term Plan, and for us this is about putting the patient at the centre.

As the West Midlands’ core partnership between the NHS and academia, Birmingham Health Partners (BHP) – a strategic alliance between the University of Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham and Birmingham Women’s & Children’s NHS Foundation Trusts – is already translating healthcare innovation into new diagnostics, drugs and devices for the improvement of patient care.

As a partnership we are now building on our internationally-recognised strengths in healthcare data informatics; genomic medicine and diagnostics; medtech development and evaluation; and clinical trials to establish an innovative research park at the heart of the BHP campus.

The four-hectare Birmingham Life Sciences Park (BLSP) will draw on the anchor capabilities across our integrated and connected translational eco-system to work in partnership with industry and our region’s diverse and stable population

Dr Steve Taylor DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS, BIRMINGHAM LIFE SCIENCES PARK (BLSP)

BLSP will harness world-leading academic and clinical strengths while bringing new commercial power to the region to accelerate life sciences research, taking innovative new healthcare treatments and technologies from early development to real life application

of nearly 6m, to de-risk new healthcare innovation (diagnostics, software, processes, systems, devices, or therapies) through development, testing and evaluation in a relevant real-world environment.

Phase 1 of the development, due to commence in 2020, will deliver the Precision Health Technologies Accelerator (PHTA), centred on three innovation platforms representing key capabilities for existing and new entrants to health and life sciences: new technology development and validation;

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healthcare data integration and analysis; and complex diagnostics. In addition, integration with our worldclass clinical trials design and delivery capability will connect new innovation directly back to our patients.

With outline planning permission already in place, BLSP has the potential to deliver up to 54,000 sq. m of highquality innovation and commercial space and the process of identifying an appropriate investor-developer partner is already well underway.

In addition to the benefits returned to patients, BLSP will drive the growth of businesses and attract inwards investment, creating high-value jobs and developing the skills base needed to anchor sustainable business growth in our region. BLSP is set to generate >£180m GVA and 3,600 jobs over the first ten years with wider impact felt across the region and nationally.

Set at the heart of our integrated translational health campus, with world-class academic and clinical teams, and with access to a large, highly diverse and therefore internationallyrepresentative population, BLSP is set to provide a transformative impact on future healthcare innovation and patient outcomes. ■

To find out more, please visit: www.blsp.co.uk

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Innovation

Extending the frontiers of UK science and industry

Gearing up to 2.4% Growing the UK’s Research and Development activity to deliver target

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Prof Richard Brook OBE FREng PRESIDENT, AIRTO

•

Steve Yianni FREng NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AIRTO

AIRTO is the Association of Innovation, Research and Technology Organisations.

Its membership comprises approximately sixty of the principal organisations operating in the UK’s Innovation, Research and Technology (IRT) sector

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he UK has a thriving Innovation, Research and Technology (IRT) sector, offering people with the right skills and expertise, and substantial resources, to deliver the UK’s Industrial Strategy.

The sector plays a critical independent role in helping industry cope with and share the costs and risks of innovation. By utilising this world-class asset to its full capacity in playing a central part in achieving the government’s 2.4% target, we stand to gain global competitive advantage by improving the scope and productivity of UK industry.

Since the end of World War II our economy has harnessed the global technological revolution, and has led the way in sectors which are heavily reliant on scientific and engineering expertise for innovation, such as medicine, aerospace, automotive and information technology and telecommunications, to name but a few.

As we leave the European Union in 2019, the government’s commitment to cultivating our national scientific and engineering capabilities through the Industrial Strategy has been welcomed

widely. Measuring the level of R&D activity in the UK (both public and private) is a useful way of gauging how well the UK compares to competitor nations in fostering a supportive environment for innovation, and innovation and its successful application will be fundamental to our national economic prosperity and quality of life for decades to come.

C O M M E N S U R AT E I N V E S T M E N T

There is general consensus that to achieve the 2.4% R&D intensity target, both public and private sectors need to increase their respective activity. The current achieved level is 1.7% of GDP (evidenced

by OECD Science, Technology & R&D Statistics), albeit there are some debates about whether this figure represents a truly accurate baseline measure. Based on other countries’ experiences, the proportion of public to private investment needed to achieve this is approximately 1:2, i.e., ~one third from government sources and ~two thirds from private sources including industry.

In the UK, government figures show that this ratio is currently estimated to be

1:2.6, indicating that UK private investment leverage is already above average. To reach 2.4% of GDP from the current 1.7%, therefore, needs a commensurate uplift in public sector investment (41%), coupled with a comparable uplift in investment from private sources that at least approaches a similarly significant percentage.

Much of the discussion with stakeholders has centred on what levers government could deploy to attract more industry investment in R&D in the UK and to create an appropriate and optimal environment for increased UK R&D activity. It is the private investment that is needed to ensure that R&D outcomes will be taken up, commercialised and translated into value for money returns to public sector, the economy and society.

OUR PROPOSALS

Strategic use of government levers is essential to convince industry of the additional commercial returns and competitive advantage from R&D investments made in the UK. Also, government needs to be seen more as a willing customer for R&D and its outcomes, to instil confidence in industry and commerce.

AIRTO proposes six levers for government to consider, as follows: 1. Incentives for business R&D 2. Supporting public procurement and early adoption of novel products and services 3. Skills for the future 4. Physical infrastructure for R&D 5. Regulation 6. International R&D exports AIRTO proposes that:

1

The IRT sector is a national asset, which needs to be resourced to an increased capacity if it is to successfully deliver against the 2.4% target. There is an imbalance in the capitalisation of the sector, which prevents it from being able to fully realise the national ambitions to lift its R&D contribution in conjunction with industry to meeting the 2.4% of GDP target and to

ensure that the outcomes reach productive application in the economy.

Industry demand for the IRT sector’s development and pre-production work frequently exceeds capacity, with many independent IRT sector organisations having limited working capital to build resources to match this demand.

2

The National Laboratories and Research & Technology Organisations (RTOs) that make up the IRT sector are independent, and this independence plays a critical role in helping industry to share the costs and risks of innovation and to raise productivity. These organisations are well placed to develop codes and standards for industry, which can enhance take up, efficiency, scale up, and export potential.

3

The IRT sector produces people with the right mix of skills and expertise to work effectively and collaboratively across academia, government, industry and finance – the sector is a fertile training ground for upskilling UK plc for the future. The UK is world leading in each of these four areas, but there is little cross-fertilisation of people and no common vernacular.

People with experience and credibility to work with all four areas provide the multidisciplinary breadth to successfully translate R&D outcomes into commercial success.

We conclude that to succeed in lifting R&D activity to 2.4% of GDP over the coming eight years, the government needs to ‘gear up to 2.4%’ and to accelerate investment in the IRT sector as a critical resource for UK plc.

SUPPORT PUBLIC PROCUREMENT & SERVICES • Make it easier for the Small Business

Research Initiative (SBRI) to apply to larger firms to stimulate research and innovation via private businesses; • Pilot models of procurement with National labs and government agencies acting as intelligent clients for technology procurement

SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE • Trial schemes that translate academic learning to the ‘shop floor’ and market place, across apprentice, Masters and PhD levels; • Create fellowships for developing applied skills; • Grow the number of industry prepared graduates for the workplace via sandwich degrees

PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR R&D • Address imbalances between research and innovation activities by deploying schemes such as the industrial strategy challenge fund; • Invest in an ‘RTO+’ programme to improve capitalisation of existing organisations, rather than creating ‘shiny’ new centres to open; • Reduce ‘red tape’ for existing IRT organisations

REGUL ATION • Regulation needs to exist to give

confidence of market opportunities; • Appropriate regulation can give UK competitive advantage

A list of AIRTO’s calls to action are summarised below:

INTERN ATION AL REACH

INCENTIVES FOR BUSINESS R&D

• Set out a co-ordinated and aligned

• Review the return on investments for R&D tax credits across key sectors; • Continue the commitment to public funding for research and innovation; • Deploy IRT organisations to help technology-based SMEs improve productivity

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national plan around specific sector targets. ■

To find out more about AIRTO, and to read the position statement, go to: www.airto.co.uk

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INNOVATION

MIRA Technology Institute New automotive training centre holds key to skills revolution

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he automotive sector is facing a sea change on a scale not seen for over 100 years.

There are challenges, opportunities and threats unfolding at an increasingly rapid rate, and growing demand for the new skills to take them on.

Autonomous vehicle technology is improving at a rate that could bring self-driving cars to our roads much sooner than we ever imagined. The future could see the end of private car ownership with the advent of ridehailing apps. Boeing has successfully tested a ‘flying car’ or passenger air vehicle (PAV) with a range of 50 miles.

And where technology becomes more sophisticated, crime follows, with UK car thefts increasing by 48 per cent over the last five years as relay transmitters and amplifiers are used to override keyless technology.

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B AT T E RY T E C H N O LO G I E S

Lisa Bingley OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, MIRA TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE

Lisa joined the MTI from HORIBA MIRA where she worked as a technical programme manager with a broad training and development portfolio.

She is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and works in a voluntary capacity for the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, currently as chair of the automotive events programme committee, and as vice chair of the automotive division board

Electric vehicle registrations have increased threefold over the last few years and there are now three million vehicles on the roads worldwide. The spotlight is now firmly on alternatives to fossil-fuel, and with greater investment in the latest battery technologies, and expanding charging networks, the industry expects that more than half of new vehicles will be electrically-powered by 2040. And with many of the UK’s leading manufacturers now offering multiple EV models as part of their range, there is a growing demand for skills in related technologies throughout the supply chain.

While the sector is working hard to address predicted future skills shortages, close recruitment gaps and boost productivity, engineering businesses continue to report

knowledge gaps and vacancies that are difficult to fill. An estimated annual shortfall of around 59,000 engineering technicians and graduates suggests that this is likely to be an enduring challenge.

The MIRA Technology Institute now provides a unique solution to this problem specifically for the automotive sector. Formed through a partnership between industry and education, the newly-opened MTI offers a full spectrum of training opportunities from apprenticeships to bespoke and commercial courses for businesses from across the sector, from SMEs to large organisations. Its location near to good transport links and local hotels allows for courses to be followed on a block basis with ease.

SKILLS AND TRAINING

The MTI provides access to a unique skills escalator, enabling progress to higher and degree level apprenticeships and beyond.

This means that, for the first time, individuals can start an apprenticeship at Level 2 or above and progress to PhD level with the same training partnership.

As a dedicated resource for the automotive industry, the training is highly relevant and can be accessed by the full range and size of businesses within the sector including Tier 1 automotive businesses within the supply chain, and major international corporates.

Apprenticeships can offer the best route into skilled employment for the 50% of young people who do not go to university. Students are enabled to acquire the essential grounding in STEM skills including science, technology and

maths, and to progress in the automotive engineering industry, helping to grow future talent. The MTI can help talented apprentices to develop their skills and work towards achieving incorporated and chartered engineer status.

Training includes degree level studies and short courses delivered in state-ofthe-art facilities covering subjects including cybersecurity, noise vibration and harshness, metrology, powertrain and battery systems. Programmes include automotive-related maths and science, health and safety, vehicle electrics and electronics, vehicle systems, engine principles and operation.

Skills development in the automotive sector is facing a real step-change as demand for the latest technical knowledge continues to grow. Increasingly, engineers will need to be able to add new skills to their repertoire as vehicles become fully connected, presenting challenges around cybersecurity, AI and machine learning.

Developments in digital technology inevitably mean that cars will get smarter, to the extent that drivers may eventually log in to a personalised system that will anticipate their destinations and control setting preferences.

Even traditional technical training within automotive engineering has always been quite fragmented, depending on factors such as skill level, geographical location and industry specialism.

What is new with the MTI, and the reason why we believe this new facility is set to make such an impact, is that all aspects of advanced automotive skills training will now be accessible under one roof. Clients will be able to upskill their

workforce seamlessly using our skills escalator which will enable individuals to add to their skills portfolio and progress in their careers. We hope that this will present organisations with a much easier way of future-proofing their training requirements.

A U N I Q U E C O L L A B O R AT I O N

The MTI is the result of a unique collaboration between North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, and its partners, HORIBA MIRA, the University of Leicester, Loughborough University and Coventry University.

Built with £9.5m investment from the UK Government’s Local Growth Fund via the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), the MTI is a specialist facility on the MIRA Technology Park near Hinckley and Nuneaton. With 15 flexible training rooms and three fully-equipped workshops, the centre is set up to provide access to practical as well as theoretical study.

This cutting-edge resource will help to create specialist skills in some of the new disruptive technology areas including electrification and driverless cars, ensuring a sustainable supply of future technical specialists and engineers that are retained within the industry on a range of career paths.

Through the MTI, employers can now access a new generation of automotive engineering apprentices, or upskill existing employees, with access to the latest equipment for rapid prototype, 3D printing, robotics, fluid power, mechatronics, and electronic circuit design. â–

To find out more, please visit: www.miratechnologyinstitute.co.uk

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INNOVATION

Delivering laboratory refurbishments in live critical environments

Paul Sharp DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR, ISG

A

s leading research hubs upgrade their estates to attract and accommodate some of the world’s brightest and forward-looking minds, collaboration is helping transform laboratory design and delivery at Health Services Limited’s (HSL) 60 Whitfield Street laboratory in London.

HSL is a clinically-led provider of pathology and diagnostic services and a progressive partnership between University College London Hospitals (UCLH), NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and The Doctors Laboratory.

60 Whitfield Street (60WS) is HSL’s latest facility to undergo vital upgrades, following the transformation of its award-winning headquarters – One Mabledon Place (1MP) – from 1960s office space into one of Europe’s largest pathology laboratories, in 2017.

Just 1.5km down the road in Fitzrovia and home to the UK’s largest cellular pathology department, 60WS’s

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rapid response laboratory processes over 4,000 patient samples each day.

Samples are delivered by couriers and a dedicated underground pneumatic tube that links 60WS and UCLH for fasttracked processing.

ISG is refurbishing HSL’s existing facilities, which joins together two buildings constructed in the 1920s and 1940s, into a world-class pathology facility with a 25-year design life. This is all taking place in an operationally live laboratory environment, requiring a complex temporary services strategy to keep critical services live and ensure vital samples are not lost during testing.

Five new temporary laboratories and a dedicated service for power, data, cooling and water, have been key in isolating laboratory operations from construction activities. This has supported the first phase of the programme, which saw the existing laboratory stripped out and decommissioned, before the new temporary laboratory equipment was installed.

Collaboration with the 1MP team has facilitated the implementation of a complex phasing strategy and moving the temporary laboratory areas into the new installations, as well as crucial end user engagement and understanding of client operations needed to prepare areas for moves.

This has benefitted the second phase of the project which is

undergoing major structural operations, including a new mechanical plant being installed to the roof and facades, additional floor space in a previous external stairwell, and a new external dumbwaiter lift for transporting samples vertically.

With such a complex scheme based in central London, close collaboration with HSL, medical professionals and neighbouring major construction projects has been critical in overcoming access restrictions and keeping operations live 24/7. Early access to laboratory equipment, such as blood analysers, for commissioning ensures the facilities are ready from day one.

Additionally, 3D modelling and scoping surveys validate the existing building constraints and coordinated high-level services in the laboratories.

Engagement with end users for feedback and regular catch-ups with the architects on floor phasing plans ensure our temporary services plan monitors power and backs-up power levels.

After the success of 1MP and the ongoing works at 60WS, ISG has demonstrated that highly-engineered schemes can be delivered across the technology, science and health sectors, with the client in-situ. Collaboration throughout has been fundamental in enabling our leading research clients to focus on their own work: developing, researching, providing and protecting critical services. ■

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INNOVATION

Shifting the Needle from Start-Up to Scale-Up

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t is widely accepted that innovation (the successful exploitation of new ideas) holds the key to sustainable economic growth both at corporate and national levels. Recognising this and the role it needs to play to support this, the UK government has committed to a comprehensive industrial strategy “to boost productivity by backing businesses to create good jobs and increase the earning power of people throughout the UK with investment in skills, industries and infrastructure”.

It has sensibly sought to engage with industry, academia, trade associations and learned societies to understand what is required to put a strategy into action.

Founded in 1962 as a networking organisation for those active in R&D in the UK, the Research and Development Society (RDS) has more recently focused its activities around a vision of “making the UK the best environment in the world for R&D” and started to work with organisations such as UKSPA to describe how this vision can be best realised. As well as looking at government innovation and business policy, we have also focused on the factors that drive business success at a company level and have found that there is limited understanding of how to successfully exploit the full commercial and social value of new ideas.

3 CHASMS & 12 VECTORS

Although the UK is seen to be strong in academic and early stage research, it is also important to recognise that successful commercialisation does not only derive from start-ups created out of academic institutions - neither ARM nor Dyson started via this route, although both have developed extensive academic collaborations to support their growth.

Either way, there has been concern at the ability in the UK to translate early stage companies into scalable business.

With this point in mind, research conducted over the last decade conducted by RDS board member, Uday

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Iain Simpson CHAIRMAN, THE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY

Phadke and Co-worker Shai Vyakarnam has shown that the critical challenge in creating businesses at scale depends on successfully crossing three distinct barriers (which the research calls ‘chasms’): Chasm I - where ideas are turned into prototypes; Chasm II - where sustainable business models are confirmed with charter customers; and Chasm III - where firms build sustainable distribution and sales capabilities.

The research also identified 12 “Vectors” that define the driving forces to the commercialism journey, especially with regard to crossing the chasms. This work was originally published in 2017 in the book ‘Camels, Tigers & Unicorns’ and, based on this research, the authors have more recently published ‘The Scale-up Manual’ , which provides a practical unified approach to manage the creation and commercialisation of innovative products and services.

CENTRAL WORKING ACADEMY

Based on this approach, and working with Phadke’s company, Cartezia, Central Working, a UK shared workspace provider, have established The Central Working Academy, a new support programme to provide startup leaders with the innovative tools and guidance required to scale. These tools are typically only available to the largest mature businesses. The inaugural programme will be run from The Bradfield Centre, Central Working’s technology hub based on the Cambridge

Science Park and launched in partnership with Trinity College Cambridge and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Following a successful pilot, the Academy then intends to roll out the programme across Central Working’s UK-wide locations and Phadke and his team are also developing other initiatives to deploy the approach both in the UK and abroad.

FOCUS ON SCALE-UP

For the UK to be successful in a global economy, it is vital that it ensures that appropriate support is put in place to allow companies to scale, and particularly to address the barriers identified in Phadke and Vyakarnam’s research.

Current government investment in innovation has tended to support the earlier stages of the process and this has helped increase the number of start-ups in the UK. But now more focus needs to be paid to help businesses scale in order to support economic growth and sustainability as well as diversity in the job market. In this context, more focus on the ‘D’ of R&D and initiatives such as The Scale-up Academy coupled with increasing emphasis in providing follow on space next to technology incubators to address the changing needs of early stage businesses, are particularly welcome. ■ Dr Uday Phadke has been Chief Executive of Cartezia since 1997. He is also the lead author of ‘Camels, Tigers & Unicorns: Rethinking Science and Technology-enabled Innovation’ and ‘The Scale-up Manual: Handbook for Innovators, Entrepreneurs, Teams & Firms’. He will be speaking about his work at the forthcoming UKSPA/S-Lab Conference at the University of Birmingham on 2-3 April.

For further information, please visit: www.rdsoc.org

Beyond the cluster: Spatial Convergence

Peter Baird URBAN DESIGNER, PERKINS+WILL

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he UKSPA Conference in Birmingham in April provides an opportunity to take a fresh look at innovation clustering.

Competition is rife, everyone is laying claim to sector specialisms and globally impactful research and development (R&D).

Economic development theory regarding agglomeration teaches us there are benefits from similar industries co-locating. I always think of the street names like Fish Street or Shoe Hill. Similar traders co-located to draw on the potential centre of gravity of interests and shoppers, and to also allow them to keep up with, and see, emerging trends and fashions first hand. Efficiencies in delivery and infrastructure proximity could also

benefit from this co-location, especially if we are talking about fish delivery from a pier or port. The innovation and knowledge economy may be a far cry from the shoe and fish industries, however, the same principles apply.

Indeed, proximity of businesses and networks, tools and supply chains, are beneficial to the development of businesses within any high-tech industrial cluster.

Several pieces of research, including 5th Studio’s Cambridge to Oxford Corridor work, have begun to identify these clusters across the south east. Our own research tracks university research topics, geographically plotted against spin-out companies arranged by industry sectors. It is the industry cluster, however, that we have been increasingly interested in, and the complementary factors to the cluster; those elements beyond the industrial cluster uses. These are the essential other components that make a location function, but they also make it a place.

Fish Street was, and still is, a highly connected accessible street in the city of London. Historically bustling with traffic and people, it led traffic flows north from old London Bridge, the City’s first bridge over the Thames.

Now, it is a short walk from Monument

R E A D O N L I N E AT: U K S PA . O R G . U K / B R E A K T H R O U G H

tube and still has shops, businesses and houses nearby. Was there a rival, less integrated fish street that failed? Was it London’s change in affordability that meant that the pier used to bring in fish was replaced by a more profitable use, rendering Fish Street an impractical distance from its source supply?

If we want to build on the identified benefit of clusters and encourage the evolution of science and innovation parks to grow and develop into globally significant R&D locations, then surely it is essential to think beyond just clustering and into the mechanics of place making and city building which both allow a place to develop and also to sustain it in the face of changing economies and technologies.

P+W are currently researching multiple functions and features including access to public transport, house prices, lease rates, start-up companies and construction cost; factors across London and the south east to begin to unpick this question and understand clusters better.

Even if it doesn’t help us understand the price of fish. ■

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SPACE INNOVATION Cornwall is home to some of the biggest innovations and developments currently taking place in the world’s aerospace and space sector. From groundbreaking advances in deep space communications, to the development of a state-of-the-art spaceport, the global spotlight is on Cornwall and the business potential available here.

Businesses through the space and aerospace supply chain have been key in establishing momentum behind a growing space economy in Cornwall, which is providing exciting growth opportunities. And the availability of significant funding and support through AeroSpace Cornwall makes this an even more enticing prospect.

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Satellite communications

Rocket testing

Satcoms is an area that has generated much interest, not least because of Cornwall’s future vertical launch capability from Spaceport Cornwall. One of the many projects currently underway is the development of a waveguide switch for w-band space borne communication (see above image).

Market-leading designer and manufacturer, Flann Microwave Ltd in Bodmin, has collaborated with St Austell’s Teddington Electronics and Goonhilly Earth Station to develop the newto-market satellite component in a collaborative R&D project.

Non-Cornish companies are also are seizing the opportunities to work within Cornwall, gaining access to the skills of the growing space cluster. Edinburgh-based launch operator, Skyrora, is establishing an engine-testing programme at Cornwall Airport Newquay’s rocket test facility.

The technology is aimed at enhancing the data processing capability deployed in space, which is plateauing despite a time of increasing reliance on satellite-based communications and associated earth observation capabilities.

The R&D has been supported by a £150,000 match-funded grant from AeroSpace Cornwall. The project will deliver a step change in use of ‘waveguide’ technology for spaceflight using emerging super-high capacity satellite communications links.

Spacecraft tracking From broadcasting the moon landings to relaying Live Aid across the globe, Goonhilly has been one of the most iconic names the world’s space sector for several decades. The team are still at the forefront of space communications, driving its own and collaborative projects. This includes development of the world’s first private Deep Space Communications Network, and launching their own commercial mission to the Moon with partners SSTL and the European Space Agency.

Goonhilly is also working with BAE Systems to create a system that will apply phased array techniques to commercial satellite operations. With an increasing number of spacecraft being launched and operated, there is an increased demand on ground station and spectrum resources. A single spacecraft tracking technology will support the growth in high capacity spacecraft, creating a cost efficient and scalable approach to tracking and controlling many satellites simultaneously, including those from Low Earth Orbits (LEO) all the way to deep space.

Skyrora will use the facility to carry out a series of test firings for its ‘LEO’ engine, which will be used to propel its satellite launch vehicle’s upper stage. It is expected to be the first liquid engine test by a British small-satellite launcher to take place in the UK since Black Arrow over 50 years ago.

Critical access to funding and support Key to the ability of game-changing organisations like these to establish a footprint in Cornwall is the work of AeroSpace Cornwall, an EU-funded programme. AeroSpace Cornwall offers support and funding to businesses working – or with the potential to work – within the space and aerospace industries in Cornwall. The support on offer includes R&D grant funding, Supply Chain Competitiveness consultancy support programmes and help in developing skills to progress research and development.

AeroSpace Cornwall’s support of high-tech and innovative businesses is the driving force behind Cornwall’s growing space economy – and the momentum is growing. AeroSpace Cornwall can support any innovative business that could contribute to further growth in a world-leading space cluster for Cornwall, and be at the forefront of the space and aerospace industry in the UK. Contact AeroSpace Cornwall: 01209 61047 or james@aerospacecornwall.co.uk to find out how you can benefit. www.aerospacecornwall.co.uk/ @AeroSpaceCornwl /aerospace-cornwall

As Goonhilly continues to grow, so does its need to expand. In Summer 2018, the business announced it would be recruiting for a number of roles, including specialist technicians and engineers. The expansion of Goonhilly is great news for the Cornish job market, but also highlights the success of one of Cornwall’s most renowned businesses.

R E A D O N L I N E AT: U K S PA . O R G . U K / B R E A K T H R O U G H

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INNOVATION

The global university at the heart of an ambitious city “We want Birmingham to be seen as a world-class environment for research, that is inclusive and supportive...”

How does the University collaborate with other innovation sites?

Professor Tim Softley PRO-VICE-CHANCELLOR FOR RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM

Professor Tim Softley is Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Transfer at the University of Birmingham where he leads the University’s research performance with the aim of positioning the University firmly amongst the leading research universities in the UK

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“The University’s doors are open for joint projects, and the co-creation of innovation sites to deliver our expertise to industry.

“Our life science innovation sites include the Institute of Translational Medicine, which attracts companies that want to progress their ideas to reality, and need to be close to both a research-intensive University, and a fully operational healthcare setting, in order to do so.

“An example is Norwegian company Dignio, which has partnered with the University to investigate patient experience of new therapies. Dignio bases its UK operations at the ITM, and the collaboration will result in an electronic capture system to real-time ‘patient-centric’ data during clinical trials.

“We also co-create innovation sites in the physical sciences, such as the High Temperature Research Centre, a 5,800m2 facility that opened in 2017. Funded by £40m investment from Rolls Royce and a £20m government grant, the Centre has already demonstrated new manufacturing capabilities in jet-engine turbines.”

What is the University of Birmingham’s approach to funding and further engagement?

What are your views on attracting, training and supporting the next generation?

“We recruit the best researchers and professional services staff, and have recently increased ‘on the ground’ Enterprise staff to make stronger links with researchers. We also invest in providing the best research and teaching environments, such as the new buildings for Engineering and Railway Innovation, Molecular Sciences and the Centre for Brain Health.

“This year we start redevelopment of a Grade 2 listed city-centre building into a centre for external engagement, and within the next few years we expect to develop a life science park adjacent to both our campus and the Queen Elizabeth hospital that will build on the success of the ITM. “Birmingham is also leading the Midlands Innovation Commercialisation of Research Accelerator, to provide a single gateway to the collective intellectual property (IP) from eight Midlands universities. This is expected to attract large ‘patient capital’ investors to the region.”

“I feel strongly that University is about preparing students and staff for a future that makes the most of their own personal qualities and desires.

“The skills we teach should hold them in good stead to do this: the creativity, innovation and courage to generate new ideas and overcome challenges; the patience and tenacity to move on from setbacks; the ability to plan logically and manage complex agendas; a clear and engaging communication style; and the people skills required to collaborate and generate meaningful connections.”

What is your perspective on attracting research leaders and future leaders?

“We want Birmingham to be seen as a world-class environment for research, that is inclusive and supportive, and has a sense of common purpose. We also want those who work or visit to feel the academic ‘fizz’ of the community, and sense the dynamic upward trajectory.

“To achieve this we have enhanced the research environment and introduced new academic staff recruitment schemes – the Birmingham Fellows, the Professorial Research Fellows and the Interdisciplinary Professors to attract people who will add to the fizz, through their work and engagement with others.

“We also work with existing staff through programmes that help them take their research to the next level by building and leading collaborative research programmes.”

What do you see as the major challenges and opportunities ahead for the University?

“In addition to the financial and political uncertainty in the UK, Universities face additional challenges from student fee review, changing immigration policies, and possibly a heightened regulatory attitude from Government. Birmingham is better placed than most to ride the storm. In the last few years we have put ourselves into a relatively strong financial position, while investing heavily in estate and the recruitment of high quality academic staff.

“We are also in a strong position internationally, with a campus in Dubai, and strong links in the US, Brazil, China, India and Australia, in addition to those in Europe. All of these are springboards for global collaborations, and the newly-founded Institute for Global Innovation brings together multidisciplinary teams to address global challenges articulated in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

What is your vision of the future impact you would like to see the University have on the lives of people in the local community?

“The University was founded in 1900 to serve the needs of the region, and this civic heritage and purpose is a part of our DNA.

R E A D O N L I N E AT: U K S PA . O R G . U K / B R E A K T H R O U G H

“We impact on the lives of people in the local community through research partnerships with healthcare services, social care, youth mental health, and healthy ageing, and ethnic minority businesses, and we also provide cultural engagement through the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, the Lapworth Museum, and our musical presence in the city.

“We’ve established the University of Birmingham comprehensive school and continue to work with it through the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues - and we shouldn’t forget the University employs 8,000 people in the city.

“In 2021 we will be opening ‘the Exchange’, which will provide a platform to debate issues affecting quality of life and wellbeing, and to identify follow up research and actions designed to make a difference.”

Following your fellowship of the Royal Society last year, what messages and impact would you like to see it have, not only on the university, but on research more generally?

“The Royal Society is a very special organisation in the ways it encourages excellence in research, and recognises the importance of teamwork in scientific endeavour. Its purpose is to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity.

“This same purpose is crystallized in the strapline of the University’s research strategy – ‘Research that Matters’. Research ‘matters’ if it is transformative – whether that be transforming an academic field, or transforming the lives of individuals in society, or delivering economic benefits.

“But it only ‘matters’ if it matters to someone other than the person doing it. The question I hope all researchers at this university will consider is – who might this research that I am doing (or planning) matter to, now or in the future?” ■

For more information, please visit: www.birmingham.ac.uk

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INNOVATION

Space for Space UK sector sees significant growth... and has room to expand internationally

T

he UK’s space sector has seen significant growth in income, exports and employment with total income now standing at £14.8 billion, Science Minister Chris Skidmore announced recently.

The main findings from the independent ‘UK space industry: size and health report’ show that, compared to the 2016 survey:

• Income up from £13.7bn to £14.8bn • Employment up from 38,522 to 41,900 • Exports up from £5bn to £5.5bn The report also shows that an average of 39 new companies have been added to the UK space sector every year since 2012. This is the most authoritative survey of the sector. After the previous survey showed a slowing annual growth rate to 1.6% in 2014/15, today’s figures show an acceleration with annual rates of 2.1% for 2015/16 and 4.5% for 2016/17.

Much of this growth is due to space manufacturing, including satellites, ground systems and components, which increased at a rate of 27% per year. The UK has significant capabilities in this area, building major parts for one in four of the world’s commercial telecommunications satellites.

Beyond the direct effects of the space industry, the satellite services industry supports a wealth of other sectors worth an estimated £300 billion of UK GDP, up from £250 billion from the previous survey. Earth Observation services, such as data for monitoring land use and agriculture, is a significant growth area, supporting

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£92 billion of GDP and growing at a rate of 25% per year.

Space is a UK export success story, generating over a third (37%) of income from international trade. The UK’s ongoing membership of the European Space Agency, which is independent of the EU, generates 29% of these exports.

France and the USA account for the largest share of exports to individual countries at 40% and 8%, respectively, with significant potential to grow these further and expand into more international markets.

Evince has a small in-house engineering team coupled with an established and growing network of academic and industrial partnerships, and has offices and a lab at NETPark, which is run by Business Durham, the economic development organisation for County Durham, which works on behalf of Durham County Council.

Catherine Johns, innovation director at Business Durham, said: “It’s a very exciting time for Evince as its revolutionary technology could have vast impacts on many different markets.

S P A C E I S A U K E X P O R T S U C C E S S S T O R Y, G E N E R AT I N G O V E R A T H I R D ( 3 7 % ) O F I N C O M E F R O M I N T E R N AT I O N A L T R A D E E V I N C E AT N E T PA R K

One innovative technology company that could revolutionise the electronics market with its diamond-based electronic devices has won a €200k project with the European Space Agency (ESA) that could transform the way satellites are used in space.

Evince Technology, based at the North East Technology Park (NETPark) in Sedgefield, County Durham, is working on a nine-month ESA-backed project with Mars Space, a space engineering consultancy, on developing its technology to deliver electron sources for use within electric propulsion systems for the space and satellite sector.

It’s fantastic to see them at the stage where they’re working on so many applications and getting the funding they deserve to scale their business up from their base at NETPark.”

In July this year, Evince began working with companies in Denmark and Germany on a £1.42m project to use its technology in industrial X-ray sources which could lead to the world’s first diamond-based X-ray tube systems. ■

For more information about Evince Technology, please visit: www.evincetechnology.com

Built for growth High quality accommodation on this well developed site for start-up, early stage and established knowledge-based businesses.

Access to a range of innovation and business support programmes to help companies maximise their potential for growth.

www.uwsp.co.uk

more-info@uwsp.co.uk 024 7632 3000 The Venture Centre, Sir William Lyons Road, Coventry CV4 7EZ

Growth

Sharing your success, best practice, and lessons learned

Growing a thriving innovation ecosystem Reflecting on a fantastic first year for The Innovation Alliance of the West Midlands

T

Dr Pam Waddell DIRECTOR, INNOVATION ALLIANCE FOR THE WEST MIDLANDS

Dr Pam Waddell is Director of The Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands. She will be speaking at the UKSPA/S-Lab national conference in April

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he Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands (IAWM) has recently celebrated its first birthday following its transformation from Birmingham Science City (BSC). It has been a fantastic year of working across the West Midlands innovation ecosystem, with a focus on demandled innovation. As we look forward to 2019, we would like to reflect on the past 12 months, looking at some of our highlights and considering feedback from our recent stakeholder survey.

Following extensive consultation with stakeholders, IAWM was launched on 30th January 2018 as a bottom-up Alliance of diverse organisations active or interested in Science & Technology based innovation across the West Midlands.

Our core objectives are:

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To build and maintain a thriving innovation ecosystem To stimulate and catalyse a pipeline of collaborative innovation activity

OUR RECENT SURVEY

Our recent survey revealed that, one year on, over 95% of survey respondents still thought that these objectives were important.

We have worked extensively to build a thriving WM innovation ecosystem, which is reflected in the 28 events we have led or co-led across 2018, with roughly 1,000 attendances. Events ranged from small, focussed workshops to Venturefest West Midlands, an annual event which provides entrepreneurs,

investors and innovators a chance to meet, engage and exchange ideas for co-operation and collaboration - this year’s event will be held at the NEC on Thursday 4th July.

T H E M AT I C G R O U P S

IAWM’s three thematic working groups are at the core of our work: Innovative Health (IHWG), Innovation Low Carbon (ILCWG), and the Smart City Alliance (SCA). In 2018 we held a total of 15 Working Group meetings with 311 attendances, during which we invite wide-ranging speakers to talk about their approach to innovation and enable members from the private, public and university sectors to network.

Between meetings we provide regular email updates with the latest opportunities, events, and news related to each theme.

Throughout the year we have been using our extensive networks to catalyse collaborative innovation activity through 8 workshops (144 attendances) and work with partners to develop consortia and business cases, including:

• Full business case for WM Innovation Programme with WMCA

• Outline Business case for Cross

Industry Technology Exploitation in Clusters (CITEC) with Midlands Aerospace Alliance and other sector support bodies

• Two consortia preparing to respond

to Healthy Ageing industrial Strategy Challenge Fund call

• Successful bid to GBS LEP with

multiple private sector providers around Digital Skills development

MOVING INTO 2019

As we move into 2019, work on three of these continue, plus we are working with Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Constructing Excellence Midlands to identify challenges in construction that could potentially benefit from a collaborative innovation approach, and are mapping the regional Smart Cities landscape to identify areas of challenge or opportunity to address collaboratively.

F O L L O W I N G E X T E N S I V E C O N S U LTAT I O N W I T H S TA K E H O L D E R S , I A W M W A S L A U N C H E D O N 3 0 T H J A N U A R Y 2 0 18 AS A BOT TOM-UP ALLIANCE OF D I V E R S E O R G A N I S AT I O N S A C T I V E OR INTERESTED IN SCIENCE & T E C H N O L O G Y B A S E D I N N O VAT I O N ACROSS THE WEST MIDL ANDS R E A D O N L I N E AT: U K S PA . O R G . U K / B R E A K T H R O U G H

IAWM wishes to consistently improve and develop our service and reach with the West Midlands Innovation Community. We are always happy to receive constructive feedback and suggestions and we actively encourage WM organisations to come forward to participate in IAWM with ideas for new collaborative innovation activity. Overall, we are very gratified that at the end of the first year, 96% of survey respondents wanted to stay involved with IAWM.

WITH THANKS

Particular thanks go to our project development partners (Black Country LEP, Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, Innovation Birmingham Ltd, Sustainability West Midlands, West Midlands Academic Health Sciences Network, West Midlands Health Sciences Network and West Midlands Combined Authority), as well as the private sector chairs of our working groups.

Lastly, we are grateful to all those who have been part of IAWM in its first year, especially to those partners who have hosted and contributed to our events and provided valuable resources for a small executive team. ■

Find out more about The Innovation Alliance of the West Midlands at: www.innovationwm.co.uk

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GROWTH

10

Life Science Businesses to watch in 2019

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he UK’s life sciences sector features some of the most innovative and transformative companies in the UK. Companies in this sector recently recorded record turnover, and have attracted almost £6bn of equity investment since 2011.

We take a look at some of the fastest-growing young companies in the sector, starting with the largest fundraisings of 2018. Two trends are immediately visible. Almost all of these companies are seed stage. These are early-stage businesses with high potential, IP and ambition, rather than profit or even significant turnover. It is also interesting to note the large numbers of corporate venturing from larger firms in this sector. While hardly unique to life science, it is rare to see high-value fundraisings in this sector without corporate participation from big pharma and others.

A RT I O S P H A R M A

Location: Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge Stage of evolution: Seed What they do: Artios Pharma is developing treatments that target DNA Damage Response (DDR) pathways to kill or weaken cancer cells Funders: Abbvie Ventures, Andera Partners, Arix Bioscience, IP Group, LSP Life Sciences Fund, M Ventures, Novartis Venture Fund, Pfizer Venture Investments, SV Health Investors Amount raised: £100m

C O M PA S S PAT H WAY S

Location: London Stage of evolution: Seed What they do: COMPASS Pathways is developing psilocybin-based drugs that aim to treat mental health disorders such as depression Funders: Undisclosed Amount raised: £38m (undisclosed)

ENTERPRISE THERAPEUTICS Location: Sussex Innovation Centre, Brighton

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NODTHERA

Henry Whorwood HEAD OF RESEARCH AND CONSULTANCY, BEAUHURST

Henry leads Beauhurst’s Research and Consultancy team. He is an expert on business finance and has worked on briefs for clients and regularly gives presentations on market trends at events around the country. He studied Classics at the University of Oxford

Stage of evolution: Seed Funders: Seed What they do: Enterprise Therapeutics is a drug-discovery company focussed on the treatment of respiratory illnesses, including asthma and cystic fibrosis Funders: Epidarex Capital, Forbion Capital Partners, IP Group, Novartis Venture Fund, Versant Ventures Amount raised: £37m

VHSQUARED

Location, Cambridge Stage of evolution: Seed What they do: VHsquared is developing antibody-based medicines, delivered via food, that treat issues in the gastro-intestinal tract Funders: Lundbeckfounden Ventures, Unilever Ventures Amount raised: £36m

VA C C I T E C H

Location: The Oxford Science Park Stage of evolution: Seed What they do: Vaccitech is developing a vaccine that is intended to be effective against every strain of flu virus Funders: GV, Invesco Perpetual, Oxford Sciences Innovation, Woodford Investment Management, Lansdowne Partners, Sequoia Capital Amount raised: £36m

Location: UK Office – Chesterford Research Park Stage of evolution: Seed What they do: NodThera researches therapies for diseases driven by chronic inflammation Funders: Epidarex Capital, F-Prime Capital Partners, Sofinnova Partners, 5AM Ventures Amount raised: £33m

ELLIPSES PHARMA

Location: London What they do: Ellipses Pharma is a drug-development company focused on the treatment of cancer Amount raised: £28m

ACHILLES THERAPEUTICS

Location: Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst Stage of evolution: Seed What they do: Achilles Therapeutics develops therapies that target cancerous tumours without affecting healthy cells Funders: Undisclosed Amount raised: £25m

S I T RY X

Location: The Oxford Science Park Stage of evolution: Seed What they do: Sitryx develops drugs that aim to correct immune cell functions to treat oncology and inflammation-related diseases Funders: Sofinnova Partners, SV Health Investors, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Longwood Fund Amount raised: £23m

MORPHOGEN-IX

Location: Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge Stage of evolution: Seed What they do: Morphogen-IX is a drug-discovery company, aiming to develop a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension Funders: Cambridge Innovation Capital (CIC), Medicxi Ventures, Seed Funding Amount raised: £20m ■

Opened in Autumn 2013, Dock delivers a workspace and business development centre for knowledge economy businesses

Dock, Leicester Home to over 50 workspaces for knowledge economy businesses New UKSPA member; Dock is Leicester’s hub for knowledge economy businesses.

Opened in Autumn 2013, Dock offers a state of the art workspace and business development centre for a range of innovative businesses in sectors including space hardware, low carbon and air quality monitoring.

Penningtons Manches Delivering award winning services to the life sciences sector New UKSPA Affiliate Member; Penningtons Manches is a leading UK law firm, which provides high quality legal advice tailored to both businesses and individuals. With six UK offices in the City of London, Basingstoke, Cambridge, Guildford, Oxford and Reading, the firm also has an overseas office in San Francisco.

Penningtons Manches has 110 partners and employs over 700 people in total.

Their highly skilled multi-disciplinary team supports every legal need for businesses in the life sciences sector. The life sciences team is proud to hold the accolade of three ‘Law Firm of the Year’ awards, recognised for their expertise and excellence in the sector.

Their real estate team has over 100 lawyers who can provide advice at every stage of the business life cycle from initial planning considerations to funding,

Dock is made up of 53 workspaces which include offices, labs and light commercial spaces over a gross area of 34,000 sq. ft, as well as a range of meeting rooms and hotdesking space.

The meeting rooms are let to tenants and also the wider business community.

The workspaces range from 20-70m2.

Dock has been open for five years and has been full for the last three years.

Dock is home to a UK Space Agency funded incubator that allows companies looking to start or move into the space

construction and real estate advice.

The team advise science and innovation parks and their tenants on a multitude of matters.

Clients range from small and medium sized businesses to larger PLCs and multi-national enterprises in the sector and also work closely with research organisations and venture capital funds.

A responsive go-ahead approach

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sector to base themselves at Dock and receive support and funding.

All Dock tenants have to be technology businesses or generate their revenue from innovative IP. Dock also consider applications from supporting industries. ■

For more information or to register an interest and arrange a site visit, please contact Dock’s Workspace Manager, Luke Pulford, on 0116 2257900

together with a strong team ethos delivers openness, clarity and a strong emphasis on communication which are the reasons why they choose to work with the company on an ongoing basis. ■

For more information, please visit: www.penningtons.co.uk or call +44 (0) 20 7457 3000

Pennington Manches support every legal need for businesses in life sciences

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GROWTH

Hethel Engineering Centre The innovation hub with ambitions to become a technology park New UKSPA member; Hethel Engineering Centre is the award-winning innovation hub serving the high-performance engineering and manufacturing sector in the East of England. Hethel provides first-class business accommodation, conferencing capabilities and tailored support for their residents. At any one time, Hethel has around 60–70 tenants across 80,000 sq. ft of lettable space.

Hethel has the vision to take its site from a centre to a technology park and develop this thriving engineering community into a knowledge economy leader. The Centre runs a growth track seminar programme to support its tenants and the wider community.

These run monthly and provide tenants

Hethel Engineering Centre is based in Norwich

and non-resident companies with access to expert information on topics such as Intellectual Property and Trading Abroad. Support provided by Hethel encourages their tenant community to innovate, be more productive, and start-up in a lean way.

Hethel recognises the importance of wider community engagement and runs a number of programs that support local communities to access opportunities. Examples include Enterprise in Libraries, an initiative which supports job seekers to start their own business and Trailblazers, a programme delivered in local schools to increase aspirations and encourage students to pursue STEM.

Over the past few years, Hethel has created three sector networks.

Networks provide the platform for businesses to collaborate, problemsolve and build their supply chains.

Through their network conferences they have seen a number of collaborations with a number of businesses who attended the network conferences receiving VC investment.

The steps taken by Hethel has already helped create over 180 start-ups, 1,000 jobs and 85 new products, processes and services. ■

For further information, please visit: www.hethelcentre.com

NBBJ Architects Crafting inspiring spaces that encourage discovery As an architectural practice, new UKSPA member; NBBJ creates innovative places and experiences for organisations worldwide and designs environments, communities, and buildings that enhance people’s lives. Founded in 1943, NBBJ is an industry leader in designing science and educational facilities. The firm has won numerous awards and has been recognised as one of the largest firms in the annual BD WA survey. NBBJ has more than 750 employees in 11 offices worldwide.

Consistently recognised by clients for creative and professional design process, NBBJ has partnered with many top research institutions, corporate and tech companies, including the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, King’s College London, Stanford University, the University of Cambridge, Amazon, City University, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, GlaxoSmithKline, Microsoft, Salk Institute and Tencent.

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NBBJ partnered with the Salk Institute for Biological Studies

As a global leader in science and research architecture, NBBJ produces high-performance research teams. In the past five years, the practice has programmed, planned, and designed more than seven million square feet of research facilities for projects ranging from BSL-4 biocontainment laboratories to gene therapy research laboratories to large multi-disciplinary research centres.

Their work includes award-winning projects such as The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, consistently voted one of the top 10 Best Places to Work for Postdocs by Scientist magazine.

Research is a strategic investment and cultural asset, whether it’s an academic research or university medical centre, or a translational facility or technology incubator. With expertise in multiple disciplines—architects, lab specialists, economists, and sustainability experts— NBBJ work to craft inspiring spaces that encourage discovery to face the challenges of today, while preparing to meet tomorrow’s. ■

For further information, please visit: www.nbbj.com

Fostering innovation A case study of the work of essensys at Bio-City Scotland the UK’s largest life science incubation hub

Tom Welby MARKETING EXECUTIVE, ESSENSYS

E

stablished in 2002, BioCity was one of the first (and now the largest) Bioscience incubators in the UK to offer state-of-the-art laboratories alongside commercial office space to support both early stage and established companies in the life sciences sector.

A former MSD research facility, BioCity Glasgow is the 20-acre biotech incubator nestled amongst landscaped gardens where tenant companies enjoy benefits often considered only available within high-end co-working environments.

A D A P T I N G F O R I N N O VAT I O N

With the sector becoming increasingly competitive, the industry is adapting to ensure that operators are able to offer a wide range of needs for a diverse set of occupiers. Mission-critical software that underpins a dynamic flex-space, innovation hub or Science Park operation ensures that providers can offer an environment where startups

and large businesses alike are empowered to drive innovation.

With two BioCity sites already powered by Connect, essensys’s softwareenabled infrastructure platform, the incubation hub is scaling their portfolio further with the essensys partnership.

Connect software will power BioCity’s Glasgow site, providing automation, security, resilience, and equal levels of performance to deliver an excellent member experience to their occupiers.

S T R E A M L I N E D A U T O M AT I O N

Offering a combination of flexible workspace services and dedicated working and laboratory spaces, BioCity needed to safeguard against the difficulties of onboarding new customers and provisioning services. With Connect, setting up new customers and delivering services can be done with a few clicks of a mouse, allowing them to dedicate more time fostering customer relationships and growing their business.

MARKETPLACE: F O S T E R I N G I N N O VAT I O N

Having seen the benefits of Connect’s ondemand marketplace at their Nottingham sites, BioCity were keen to deliver the same level of flexibility and services to the Glasgow campus and its members.

With expectations becoming increasingly demanding, the Connect marketplace allowed BioCity to deliver the services their members require all

from a single platform on-demand and in real time. With members requiring a large number of internet ports and phones, Connect is able to deliver these services seamlessly through automation.

C O M P L E X T E C H N O LO G Y SIMPLIFIED

Unlike their previous technology solution, managing a range of member requirements across the vast 20-acre campus became simple with Connect software. For the BioCity staff utilising the software to enable the site and its members, the new platform was easy to pick up, learn and control – even for non-technical users.

The purpose-built, web-based solution by essensys allows the BioCity team to manage and automate services with ease and even control complex tools such as bandwidth managers with just a tablet while walking across the campus.

With the success of Connect at BioCity’s Nottingham sites, this purpose-built solution has removed the complexities surrounding Science Park and innovation centre technology at their Glasgow site. ■

essensys is a leading provider of mission-critical software to the Science Park and innovation centre sector.

For more information, please visit: essensys.tech/biocity

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ADVERTORIAL

World-class science The North East Technology Park (NETPark) is a vibrant community of world-class science, engineering and technology companies located in Sedgefield, County Durham Run by Business Durham, it focuses on supporting companies that are integrating materials into high value innovative products, particularly printable electronics, microelectronics, photonics, nanotechnology and their application in the fields of energy, defence, and medical related technologies.

NETPark offers high-tech companies office, incubation, growth space, offices, science labs, clean room facilities and has recently opened up 26 acres of land for private development. It encourages collaborative working and helps companies access an international network to accelerate the growth of high tech companies into global markets.

Companies like AIM listed Kromek, a worldwide supplier of detection technology, Evince Technology who have developed a diamond-based electronic devices that could transform the way satellites are used in space and G20 who are using transformational material,

graphene, to revolutionise the water filtration industry to name but a few.

As the only UK science park to have two UK Government Catapult Centres, as well as being home to a world Top 100 University and three national centres of excellence through CPI, NETPark is a catalyst for innovation.

Located in the heart of County Durham, North East of England it provides superb connectivity by rail, road and air making it an excellent location for companies working in international markets. â–

Take a closer look at: www.northeasttechnologypark.com

Image: Coach and Bus Week

All aboard!

Oxford Science Park’s new bus partnership - enabling pick-ups at virtual stops Oxford Bus Company and The Oxford Science Park have formed a partnership to strengthen the PickMeUp on-demand minibus service in the Eastern Arc of the city.

The Oxford Science Park has become a formal corporate partner of the innovative ride sharing service, providing annual investment to support the pilot scheme. PickMeUp, which launched last June, was the first public transport provision of its kind in the UK. The service enables people to request a bus pick-up at a virtual bus stop using a mobile phone app. It offers flexibility for passengers who can choose both the starting and finishing point of any journey within the zone around the Eastern Arc of Oxford, which includes the University Science Area, the John

Piers Scrimshaw-Wright, Managing Director of The Oxford Science Park, and Oxford Bus Company MD Phil Southall with a PickMeUp Sprinter

Radcliffe Hospital and the railway station. Oxford Bus Company introduced the service as a pilot scheme following the backing of parent company the Go-Ahead Group, and in response to feedback from residents that greater connectivity was required in the Eastern Arc of the city.

When the service launched, Oxford Bus Company appealed for support from the business community and offered various corporate packages.

The Oxford Science Park is the first corporate partner and the partnership will help PickMeUp continue to provide improved connectivity for The Oxford Science Park’s occupiers and visitors.

Piers Scrimshaw-Wright, Managing Director of The Oxford Science Park, said: “PickMeUp has been a great success since its launch last summer, providing our occupiers and visitors alike with an easy, convenient and sustainable way to travel to the Park and other local destinations. The service is innovative – which we embrace – and we are pleased via this capital partnership to provide further support to the service, which is an important addition to transport options around the City.” ■

USA, New Zealand, Australia and Brazil, as well across Europe and in the UK. Organisations use Life QI to run projects that deliver improvements in patient outcomes, increases in productivity and reduction in costs. The only product available of its kind, it enables improvement in healthcare environments.

Healthcare professionals can accurately design, implement and measure changes to determine if they are making sustainable improvements to processes and patient treatment.

John James, Managing Director at Seedata, said: “Exeter Science Park is the

ideal base for us, with great transport links for when we visit customers worldwide and there is a fantastic community of like-minded businesses here, which helps to inspire growth and encourage collaboration.”

The Exeter Science Park Grow-on Buildings are partly funded by £4.5 million from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership’s (HotSW LEP) Growth Deal Funding. ■

For further information, please visit: www.pickmeup.oxfordbus.co.uk

Seedata Grows On Global healthcare software provider expands at Exeter Science Park Global life sciences and healthcare software company, Seedata, has more than doubled its workforce at Exeter Science Park and is moving into bigger office space on the site.

Since moving into the Science Park Centre in 2016, Seedata has seen significant growth and the team has now moved across the road into the new ‘Lamarr’ Grow-on Building. It is aiming to double its staff numbers again at Exeter Science Park within the next two years, whilst opening new offices in the USA and Australia.

Founded in 2010, Seedata began its life designing and developing bespoke software solutions for a range of companies from University of Exeter’s Innovation Centre, before developing its own software product, Life QI. The software is currently used by hospitals and healthcare institutions in 33 different countries, including the

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For further information, please visit: www.seedata.co.uk

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GROWTH

Sensor City, Liverpool Global innovation hub for sensor and IoT technologies Sensor City, the award-winning innovation hub that enables businesses to undertake rapid prototype development and promote their sensor solutions and IoT applications to a global market, are now Full Members of UKSPA. Backed by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Sensor City is a joint venture between The University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University and is a flagship University Enterprise Zone.

Positioned at the intersection of industry and academia, Sensor City fosters relationships between SMEs and its University partners, enabling prototype development to take place with speed and accuracy. By capitalising on the worldleading research, facilities and student talent available, companies can de-risk

The award-winning innovation hub has completed more than 50 technical projects since launch a year ago

innovation and more confidently embrace digital technologies, strengthening and ultimately futureproofing their operations.

Dr Joanne Phoenix, Interim Executive Director at Sensor City, said: “One year on since launch we have completed more than 50 technical projects in our laboratories for businesses across the world, spanning a wide range of industries.

“Our laboratories contain over £1m of state-of-the-art equipment allowing our in-house engineering department to combine digital additive manufacturing and PCB design with traditional engineering techniques, to create bespoke solutions for companies.”

Home to a range of high-quality office, hot desk and event spaces, including a conference suite and roof terrace offering views across Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter and world-famous skyline, Sensor City has developed a thriving, collaborative and specialist community through its growing membership base. This provides the right environment for companies to accelerate sensor concepts into commercially viable solutions at pace. ■

For further information, please visit: www.sensorcity.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL

Growing your life science business? Join us in Kent The life sciences sector in Kent has long been the heartbeat of innovation in the county, with a deep talent pool of scientific expertise and easy access to the world.

It’s a sector set for further growth with a third Science Park, Kent Medical Campus - part of the newly created North Kent Enterprise Zone – underway, joining already thriving campus environments at Discovery Park and Kent Science Park.

“Kent is a great example of the adaptability of the life science sector that by its very nature thrives on innovation and change”, says Gavin Cleary, CEO, Locate in Kent.

“At Discovery Park, where Pfizer once ruled alone, the company now shares its world class space with a diverse mix of

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science and support companies, employing over 3,500 people.

“This success is repeated at Kent Science Park, the winner in 2016 of the International Life Sciences award for Best Life Sciences Research Facility in South East England.

“As a county, the life science sector is on the rise with the number of businesses in this dynamic part of the South East, rising by a third over the past five years.

“That will rise further as Kent Medical Campus takes shape with further investment expected at Discovery Park and Kent Science Park.

An increasingly industry-focused university sector, meanwhile, is adding to an already deep talent pool of scientific expertise.

“The Government’s industrial strategy rightly places this key UK industry front and centre for jobs creation and future growth. At Locate in Kent, we’re determined to ensure Kent and Medway continues to play a leading role in supporting that ambition.” ■

Are you looking to grow your life science business?

From property and site selection to access to funding, skills advice and sector expertise, we can help.

Call: 01732 520700 Email: enquiries@locateinkent.com Visit: www.locateinkent.com

Opening its doors in April 2016, iCentrum is the place where Birmingham’s tech community comes to work, listen, learn, network and thrive

Midland Cities: Enabling Innovation How do we unleash the full potential of the knowledge economy?

R E TA I N I N G TA L E N T

Carl Potter MANAGING DIRECTOR (BIRMINGHAM), AVISON YOUNG

W

hile the often-repeated adage of ‘location, location, location’ is one more closely associated with the residential side of the property industry, it is a fundamental mantra for the success of Science Parks.

Innovation and the knowledge economy have emerged as key drivers of our post-recessionary economy and while they continue to strengthen, some nurturing is required to ensure they reach their full potential.

As outlined in our recent report ‘Cities Enabling Innovation’, which looks at the Science Parks and innovation sectors and how cities can help to build and develop this vital economic growth sector – the success of a Science Park goes far beyond bricks-and-mortar and relies on engagement from local authorities.

Perhaps most obviously, we must ensure the availability of a workforce composed of the right people and to do that we need to develop the correct environment.

By looking at locations with a predominantly city-based campus, there is a far greater opportunity to both retain the talented individuals who are graduating from the region’s exceptional universities, and entice those who may be looking to relocate.

This is due to a host of factors, notably a rise in the number of younger people strongly favouring opportunities to live and work in city centres, meaning shorter commutes, a better work/life balance and access to a broad, diverse mix of entertainment and leisure opportunities.

Cities must also ensure that there is sufficient space to enable clustering; the bringing together of a series of individual companies operating within the knowledge economy to enable them to share ideas, commingle and collaborate.

Indeed, a successful Science Park should be viewed as a microcosm of its wider environment, operating in a collaborative setting with likeminded innovators.

P L AY I N G T O S T R E N G T H S

While it may not create headlinegrabbing numbers of jobs, clustering generates significant benefits, both in terms of economic and GVA growth.

This is something that can be traced back through the history of many cities – Birmingham included, through its Jewellery and Gun Quarters.

In a more modern and very real sense, by playing to its strengths the region has significant opportunity to develop as a hub for two of the potentially most impactful and relevant innovation growth sectors: autonomous vehicles and battery technology.

This type of success is only deliverable through the collaborative synergies between – for instance – the hard design courses at Coventry University and the academics from the University of Warwick, coupled with the region’s existing concentration of automotive supply chain partners.

It is clear that the Midlands has captured this opportunity and is playing very much to its strengths and it is the role of cities to ensure that they are capable of delivering new – as well as more traditional – economic drivers. ■

For further information, please visit: www.avisonyoung.com

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GROWTH

It’s a WRaP! Silverstone Park Innovation Centre’s new agile work space Businesses and guests at Silverstone Park can now take advantage of a colourful new ‘agile work space’ – designed to provide an attractive place to ‘work, rest and play’.

The colourful work space is designed to add to both the welcome experience and sense of community that developer MEPC has created for customers at the high-tech business estate; these include occupiers, their clientele and industry at large.

MEPC’s Roz Bird, Commercial Director at Silverstone Park, explained: “This newly designed space reflects the personality of our community: a relaxed and modern environment with aspects of a stylish home but also plenty of utilities and creature comforts such as clean work benches and tea and coffee making facilities.

“We’re thinking of naming it the WRaP, standing for ‘Work Rest and Play’ because we are offering a space that can offer these three options:

• Work – because it’s a convenient

space between meetings, a perfect location to work day-to-day on an ad hoc basis, with space to make private calls and a comfy sofa area which can be used to give informal presentations

• Rest – because we have created an

area where the lights can be dimmed and you can sit by a log fire! This can be somewhere to catch up with your

reading or your own thoughts. There’s also seating by the windows so people can bring their lunch, look out at the view and have a well-deserved break from the desk

• Play – we’re planning regular

gatherings with free beer, wine and other refreshments where people can chat with friends from work and try their skills on the Playstation™ games.” ■

For further information, please visit: www.silverstone-park.com/availability/ units/new-agile-workspace/

New Moorings at Oban’s European Marine Science Park Part of the growing marine science cluster at the Park UKSPA’s most northerly UK member has launched new flexible work space, developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), in Malin House, at the European Marine Science Park (EMSP), to give marine related businesses the opportunity to locate at the EMSP on a flexible, shortterm basis.

‘The Moorings’ offers entrepreneurs a way of avoiding onerous set up costs and long-term lease commitments, and an easy way to benefit from being part of the growing marine science cluster at the Park. This has already proved an attraction for well-established Norwegian firm, PatoGen, which focuses on the provision of fish health services to the aquaculture industry,

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and for Oceanium Ltd, a biotech startup developing seaweed based products including bio-compostable packaging.

Morag Goodfellow, senior development manager with HIE, said: “Businesses are increasingly benefiting from the mobility and flexibility enabled by new technology and connectivity. This is changing the

workplace and we have devised the Moorings with this in mind. It offers not only a modern work base, but also the chance to collaborate with other marine researchers and companies already in Malin House, and across the road at The Scottish Association for Marine Science.

Businesses tying up short-term at The Moorings don’t need to push the boat out – HIE can offer a desk or small office on affordable, simple terms and one charge covering shared facilities and services.” ■

To find out more about how to tie up at The Moorings, please email: sciencepark@hient.co.uk

Engine Shed celebrates Important part of the growing Bristol Innovation Cluster reaches fifth birthday

A

t UKSPA’s January conference, delegates heard from a number of speakers about the flourishing tech and innovation landscape around Bristol and Bath from Unit DX in Bristol, as well as the University of West England’s Future Space facility.

There is a shared vision for the Bristol & Bath city region to be a growing, inclusive and sustainable economy that benefits everyone who lives there, and is recognised internationally as innovative and dynamic.

This is particularly true of Engine Shed which recently celebrated its fifth birthday with over 200 friends, tenants, and members, who gathered to hear its successes to date and plans for the future.

The event served as a reflection on the past five years of achievements and progress, as well as setting out Engine Shed’s ambitions for the next five and beyond. Attendees were invited to bring along a ‘future leader’ and share their ideas and visions on an interactive graffiti wall.

Speaking on the night, Engine Shed Director, Nick Sturge, said: “We are now one third into the experiment, one third into the lease on this fantastic building.

Adrian Sell COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, UKSPA

We are proud of what we have achieved and learnt so far, and as we continue learning we are grateful to those who have helped us and those who will continue to help us for the next five years.

“In 2016, the Legatum Prosperity Index ranked Bristol as the best environment for business in the UK, and we hope we have played our part in that… However, Bristol also ranked 129th for overall prosperity, and that’s a problem - actually, an opportunity - to tap into the talent available here. We have to include everyone in the growth of the city region, otherwise we won’t have a sustainable economy. So we continue to look for projects and partners that will help us make an impact and a difference.

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“But it’s not just about the projects, it’s about the people: the people you talk to, the conversations you have, learning about other people’s perspectives, stories, businesses and cultures, is what will make Bristol and Bath a better place. Our role is to nudge, provoke, experiment, and connect.”

Since launching in December 2014, Engine Shed has hosted an average 30,000 visitors per year, an estimated 150,000 in total, including many primary school children, Royalty, members of HM Government, and overseas guests. It is currently running 19 projects to support growth, inclusion and innovation in the Bristol city region, and working with 64 partners to deliver positive social and economic impact including the Diverse Workforce for the future programme to engage young people with future careers, and the Scale Up Generator which supports scaling businesses in the region.

Now, five years into the ‘Engine Shed experiment,’ the need for idea sharing and collective intelligence is as important as ever. Engine Shed redistributes 30% of its surplus operating profits into running projects to drive sustainable, economic growth, which in turn generates increased use of Engine Shed’s services.

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GROWTH

During the evening, Nick Sturge also announced a new partnership with UKRIC, whose upcoming expansion and partnership with Engine Shed aims to further Bristol & Bath as a ‘living laboratory.’

Dr Theo Tryfonas, Infrastructure Collaboratory Lead at UKRIC Bristol, said: “We will soon be announcing a physical expansion and new partnership: The UKCRIC Bristol Collaboratory, which will establish Bristol as a ‘living laboratory’ and support transdisciplinary communities of academics, industry, and citizens to address shared infrastructure and city problems.

“By bringing together a range of initiatives and activities (Bristol Is Open, smart infrastructure test beds, Bristol City Council, and the University’s innovative Engine Shed), the Bristol Infrastructure Collaboratory will create accessible engagement and co-production spaces open to citizens and young people. Relocatable laboratories will also take UKCRIC

200 friends, tenants, and members gathered to hear Engine Shed’s successes to date and plans for the future

activities into schools and communities that would not normally have access to or engage with such activities.”

Engine Shed also launched a short film showcasing its projects and collaborations, and the benefits they reap for members and the wider Engine Shed community. The film was made in partnership with Friction Collective, and features tenants, members, and

collaborators sharing their experiences working at Engine Shed. ■

If you have any ideas for future projects that could benefit the local economy and community, or are interested in working with Engine Shed to support its existing projects, get in touch by going to: www.engine-shed.co.uk/team

Building communities and creating spaces for science and discovery

Transformational Technologies Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative Science Research Education and Innovation Centres

UK Science Sector Lead: Jon Roylance e: jon.roylance@adp-architecture.com | t: +44 (0) 161 238 9460 | www.adp-architecture.com

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Being an UKSPA business affiliate…

Coming together to share knowledge, experience and understanding

S

o what’s it all about?

Why might you, as an external adviser, want to be part of the UK Science Park Association?

Like any other group, UKSPA brings together its membership to share knowledge, experience and understanding – quite literally to try to get every Science Park learning how to re-invent the wheel many times over, and to learn from each other’s efforts.

From my point of view, as a lawyer who was drawn into Science Parks during his training in 1982, being able to join UKSPA as a business affiliate in 1993 was a no-brainer. To meet not just my then clients outside of current transactions but also, typically, leaders of another sixty or seventy other parks and innovation centres, three times a year is a unique opportunity to understand the what, the why and the how of Science Parks – their raison d’etre.

WE ADVISE, THEY DECIDE

I’m sure many other advisers’ learning paths are similar – you learn the rules, you meet transactions and you guide to the best of your knowledge. There’s much you bring from other transactions, from other sectors, and I’m sure we’re all taught that we advise – it’s our clients who decide.

Barry Sankey CONSULTANT SOLICITOR & SCIENCE PARKS LEAD, WRIGHT HASSALL

Wright Hassall has been an UKSPA Business Member since 1993

B E I N G T H E R E AT E ACH MEE TING GIVES YOU A UNIQUE INSIGHT I N T O W H AT Y O U R CLIENTS’ AIMS AND AMBITIONS ARE

UKSPA events share good practice as well as hear from industry figures, such as Lord De Mauley (on left) when he was Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science in the House of Lords

R E A D O N L I N E AT: U K S PA . O R G . U K / B R E A K T H R O U G H

As a lawyer, it’s easy to produce a list of options a client can choose from – that’s not really a great help, and who’s really going to read through several pages of learned advice, unless they’re seeking a cure for insomnia?

Being a business affiliate member of UKSPA and taking up the privilege of being there at each meeting, listening, learning, understanding better, gives you a unique insight into what your clients’ aims and ambitions are.

STILL LEARNING

For me, twenty-six years after my first meeting, I still learn some new aspect of the sector, and hopefully in conversation with full members, I’m able to share our experience as lawyers with them.

And when I’m asked for advice on a transaction, I’m able to consider the many options, and recommend a course of action with reasons why it may be the client’s preferred route.

Hopefully, that’s better value for the client than a simple list!

For my team too, attendance has helped Michael and Victoria understand what Science Parks, and our clients, are all about – I’ve seen it impact on their thinking and their work, and even to ask questions of other non-Science Park clients to better understand their business and raison d’etre too.

Amazingly, for a profession steeped in history and tradition, the Solicitors Regulation Authority re-wrote continuing professional training requirements for solicitors last year, resetting the priorities from technical training alone to prioritise commercial awareness – showing how important such knowledge and awareness is to ensuring the best outcomes, the best advice. ■

For further information, please visit: www.scienceparklawyers.co.uk

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GROWTH

The UK’s Science Park pioneers

Executive Director Jim Duvall looks back on 35 years of UKSPA and asks - what has happened to the earliest pioneers?

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his year UKSPA celebrates its 35th Anniversary. The Association was formed, in 1984, when a circular letter was sent to the seven original UK Science Parks, from Aston Science Park in Birmingham (now Innovation Birmingham) and Herriot Watt University, which promoted the idea of forming a group to bring together this group of early Science Park Managers to develop their thinking and share experience.

UKSPA is fortunate that the knowledge and experience of those early leading figures such as Malcolm Parry (Surrey Research Park) is still willingly offered to the latest generation of Science Park Managers and that he and

others, such as Charles Monck and David Rowe, are also actively involved with the sector.

Since then, the sector has delivered truly world class facilities and reputation. These initial developments have grown to well over a hundred UK Science Parks – truly significant engines of economic growth and a tremendous tribute to those early pioneers who created the path that others have followed over the last 35 years. So, what of the two very earliest pioneers?

C A M B R I D G E S C I E N C E PA R K

The thriving 21st-century setting of Cambridge Science Park is the

scheme. In 1970, Trinity sought planning permission for Cambridge Science Park.

Since it was established, the Cambridge Science Park has played a pivotal role in the ‘Cambridge Phenomenon’ – the transformation of Cambridge from a market town with a world – class University to one of the leading technology hot spots in the world.

Today, the 152 acre site is home to over 120 businesses ranging from spin-outs from the University of Cambridge to multinational companies seeking access to the brightest graduates and entrepreneurs from Cambridge’s diverse talent pool. Many are working on potentially life changing technologies from personalised medicines and non – invasive cancer diagnostics to artificial intelligence, IoT, defence and connectivity – to name just a few.

The Park is now in the next phase of development with the opening in July 2017 of the Bradfield Centre – a 40,000 sq. ft building, purpose-built to accommodate hundreds of researchers, inventors, start -ups and scale-up companies – followed by the opening of a stunning new facility for leading games company Frontier Plc in the spring of 2018. Further developments scheduled to come forward in the next 5 years include 360,000 sq. ft of office buildings and a 40,000 sq. ft Bio Innovation Centre, as well as significant upgrades to the public realm, landscaping and transport infrastructure.

The Bradfield Centre is designed to accelerate tech businesses to attract smart, ambitious, like-minded entrepreneurs and companies from Cambridge and around the world

realisation of a long-term vision by Trinity College. It was, in part, a response to the call by Harold Wilson’s Labour Government of the late 1960s that UK Universities should build better links with the new “white-hot” high-tech industries At the University of Cambridge, Cavendish Professor Sir Neville Mott and his committee produced a report recommending an expansion of “science based” industry close to the city – able to collaborate with the nearby concentration of world-leading scientific expertise and ideas.

Trinity College and its Senior Bursar, Sir John Bradfield, were impressed and began masterminding a development

H E R I O T- WAT T U N I V E R S I T Y R E S E A R C H PA R K

During the 1960s, the expanding University decided to move all of its departments and facilities from the original position in the Centre of the

City of Edinburgh to a new location on the western edge of the city and just to the south of the airport.

In 1971, Heriot-Watt established its 110-acre research park as an integral part of its Edinburgh campus. Today, it is home to world class companies that include high-growth spinouts, such as Chromacity, and established corporate R&D groups such as Shure.

A highly skilled workforce, competitive cost base and fantastic quality of life makes Edinburgh an attractive destination for investors and companies looking for opportunities to invest and scale.

Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh Campus is an excellent place to access world-class talent and grow research and development capabilities. The University has a rich heritage dating back to the first Industrial Revolution and continues to be valued for its pioneering research, informed by the global needs of business and industry.

Heriot-Watt University’s ambition and reach is truly global with around 29,000 students and 120,000 alumni from 190 countries. It has campuses in Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai and Malaysia.

Recent investments total over £50m and focus on enhancing entrepreneurship and data-driven innovation activity.

These include ‘The GRID’, which is a new centre for global research and innovation, and ‘Robotarium’, which will become the UK’s national robotics and autonomous systems centre.

These initiatives are focused on developing talent, research and innovation in a highly connected and stimulating ecosystem. ■

Heriot-Watt University Research Park: Developing entrepreneurship and data-driven innovation activity

R E A D O N L I N E AT: U K S PA . O R G . U K / B R E A K T H R O U G H

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GROWTH

M-SParc is Wales’ first dedicated Science Park. Operated by Bangor University, it provides facilities for tech firms to develop knowledge based science

Wellbeing in research environments: An opportunity for innovation?

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ne lab is just like the next.

That’s how the thinking goes when it comes to specifying or scoping out a new facility for a growing operation.

Briefs are often quantitative, not qualitative: this many square feet, that many power points, that many desks.

Providing workspace is the goal.

The difference design can make to a team’s wellbeing, contentment and productivity is often forgotten. But, as more and more experimentation and processing becomes automated, researchers spend less time in a controlled laboratory environment and more time in the adjoining office space, which can often make up 50% of the facility. What would happen if more thought was given to what is needed to create a really great work environment beyond the strict laboratory conditions?

One that factors in colour scheme, clean air and access to daylight?

Recent research from global workplace experts demonstrates the difference workplace design focused on human wellbeing can make to staff happiness - and then productivity.

The American-devised WELL Building Standard is the BREEAM of the better

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Briony Lumb SCIENCE LEAD, WILLMOTT DIXON

workplace, the first methodology to be focused exclusively on “ways that buildings, and everything in them, can improve our comfort, drive better choices, and generally enhance, not compromise, our health and wellness.”

Do the numbers back this up? Real estate firm, CBRE, used WELL Building Standard to create their Los Angeles HQ. Guided by seven principles including “light”, “fitness”, “mind” and “comfort”, the HQ features air filtration systems, sound damping walls, VOC-free paints, water purification, ergonomic desks and chairs, biophilic plantings, energy absorbing flooring and smart lighting systems.

Employee survey results were impressive; 83% felt more productive;

87% said where they worked helped them generate business; and 94% said the new space had improved their business performance.

From what I have seen in Willmott Dixon buildings in the UK, a well-designed workplace can bring about a profound increase in company performance.

It’s about incremental changes, such as giving your team a high quality fit-out, natural light, access to a gym, coffee shop in reception, collaborative break-out space or cluster-points, showers and cycle racks. Priorities are flexible, with less formal spaces and an emphasis on co-working areas. And where connectivity is excellent to allow agile working, offices must be compatible with 5G communication.

These improvements represent a nominal increase in CapEx but will make a big difference in attracting and retaining good people in this increasingly competitive jobs market.

Science Park operators and investors should create facilities guided not just by innovation, look and layout, but also taking full account of human-led factors.

That way, increased productivity and loyalty of employees will help maintain the UK’s role as a science world leader. ■

Architecture Interiors Master Planning Landscape Client Representation

Creating world class architecture for world class science.

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ACCOUNTING FOR INNOVATION

You can reach key decision makers in the UK science and technology industry with

Specialist accountancy and tax advice The United Kingdom Science Park Association magazine | Issue 5 | Summer 2018

The United Kingdom Science Park Association magazine | Issue 4 | Spring 2018

The United Kingdom Science Park Association magazine | Issue 6 | Winter 2018

> R&D tax credits > Patent Box tax relief

21. NATIONAL AGRI-FOOD INNOVATION

BREAKTHROUGH | The United Kingdom Science Park Association magazine | Issue 5 | Summer 2018

26. SPOTLIGHT ON ROBOTS 28. THE APPLICATION OF BLOCKCHAIN 33. PROFESSOR NOEL SHARKEY ON SOCIAL BIAS IN AI

BREAKTHROUGH | The United Kingdom Science Park Association magazine | Issue 6 | Winter 2018

BREAKTHROUGH | The United Kingdom Science Park Association magazine | Issue 4 | Spring 2018

In the year to 30 April 2018, the Hazlewoods Innovation and Technology team helped companies to claim tax savings of over £5 million.

22. PROCESS SCALE-UP

39. ADVANCED MATERIALS

43. PROFESSOR SIR ANDRE GEIM ON UNKNOWN UNKNOWNS

50. THE AGRI-TECH REVOLUTION 74. GLOBAL INCUBATION SUCCESS

> Fundraising > Grants and grant audits

We strongly recommend you take professional advice before making decisions on matters discussed here. No responsibility for any loss to any person acting as a result of the material can be accepted by us. Hazlewoods LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership registered in England and Wales with number OC311817. Registered office: Staverton Court, Staverton, Cheltenham, Glos, GL51 0UX. A list of LLP partners is available for inspection at each office. Hazlewoods LLP is registered to carry on audit work in the UK and Ireland and regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

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The impact of Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) across industry

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The butterfly effect How the microscopic affects the macroscopic

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Impact

Taking care of your people, places and public perception

Celebrating Science and Innovation

Discovery Park in Sandwich, Kent: delivering a comprehensive education project to train and inspire young people

A look at this year’s UKSPA Awards, which will be presented at the UKSPA National Conference in Birmingham on 2 April

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he 2019 UKSPA awards celebrate the projects, the business support programmes, the facilities and the people that help deliver successful outcomes for innovative companies to flourish. It delivers an opportunity to recognise the dedicated work that members undertake to provide both world class facilities, as well as innovative projects that support existing businesses, that inspire the entrepreneurs and innovators of the future.

It is a particularly difficult task to compare some very different locations and activities. How can you compare a project that has delivered significant investment and business growth to one that aims to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs?

The answer, of course, is that you cannot. This wasn’t a competition between rivals but an opportunity to 7 0 | U K S PA B R E A K T H R O U G H | S P R I N G 2 0 19

recognise excellence in the programmes, projects and locations that demonstrate the very best practice from UKSPA member Science Parks, Innovation Centres and Incubators.

INSPIRING THE N E X T G E N E R AT I O N

The two awards for successful projects or initiatives attracted a wide range of entries - divided by scale of location to allow all members an opportunity to submit their schemes.

A number of the projects aimed to inspire young people to play their part as entrepreneurs in the future. One example is Silverstone Park, which last year launched a pilot schools project ‘Inspiration for Innovation’ to help secondary school students achieve higher level skills and better careers through greater engagement with local employers.

Over twenty companies have volunteered

for the project from within the Silverstone Park business community.

Further south, Discovery Park in Sandwich, Kent has a track record for drug discovery stretching back to the 1950s and continues to lead the way in R&D across the life sciences. But Discovery Park is also delivering a comprehensive education project to train and inspire young people.

This programme links education with science collaboration and over 3,500 students experience the science world of Discovery Park every year.

In the Midlands, MIRA Technology Park has opened the MIRA Technology Institute (MTI), a unique partnership between North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, HORIBA MIRA, Coventry University, Loughborough University and the University of Leicester which will do much to address the training needs of the sector and inspire the next generation.

DIVERSITY IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The Suffolk Centre for Female Entrepreneurship was launched in October 2017 as an initiative to promote and support diversity in entrepreneurship within the newly founded Ipswich Waterfront Innovation Centre (IWIC).

The Centre provides a leadership role and knowledge base for the support and promotion of female entrepreneurship, innovation within business and a reduction in gender inequality across all business sectors.

S U P P O RT I N G B U S I N E S S

Catalyst Inc. is Northern Ireland’s next generation Science Park. An independent, not-for-profit organisation, on a mission to build a world class community of innovators.

They realised that in order to build more start-up companies in Northern Ireland, people with brilliant product ideas need to meet like-minded individuals to build a co-founding team with complimentary skillsets. Their Co-Founders programme brings together skilled and talented individuals with ideas or experience, to form early stage start-up teams.

In the North West of England, Sci-Tech Daresbury’s Independent Skills Brokerage (ISB) programme brings high level expertise to their tenant companies to help increase their knowledge and understanding of talent development in order to provide better delivered workforce development plans.

S U P P O RT I N G C O M M U N I T I E S

In December 2015, Hethel Innovation took on the challenging project to deliver success at Scottow Enterprise Park.

Occupancy was low and many were questioning its viability. Over the last The Silverstone Technology Cluster (STC) promotes, supports and attracts investment to a growing industry cluster

University of Plymouth’s Brixham Laboratory delivers over 100 high value jobs to the South West of England

three years, they have increased occupancy to 99% with over 500 people working on site. Since 2016, employment in engineering and manufacturing in North Norfolk has increased by 36% with more opportunities for local communities to find high skilled high paid work.

In January 2017, just over two years ago, the Silverstone Technology Cluster (STC) was launched. STC promotes, supports and attracts investment to an industry cluster community that is home to 3,500 high-tech companies based within an hour’s radius of Silverstone.

The STC’s core aims are to raise awareness and promote the cluster but, additionally, use its skills, knowledge and capabilities to deliver powerful thought leadership within the industry (UK and globally).

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION From internationally recognised Science Parks delivering world class facilities and support through to dedicated locations that are making significant local and regional impact, the Setting the Pace Awards demonstrate the strength diversity of the UKSPA membership.

Devon’s Brixham Laboratory is the former AZ Environmental Laboratory, which is now home to a community of over 30 businesses, delivering in excess of 100 high value jobs to the town and attracting investors, innovators and customers from Europe, Asia and North America.

London’s Imperial White City Incubator provides space for companies to work successfully alongside Imperial College researchers and turns scientific

and technological innovations into new products and services.

In Scotland, The Clinical Innovation Zone (CIZ) brings together the world-leading University of Glasgow, a forward-thinking unitary health board and the brightest industry partners to form a ‘triple-helix’ approach to tackle global healthcare challenges. The CIZ is a highly supportive, flexible and growing ecosystem at the largest acute medical facility in Western Europe.

In the heart of the UK automotive sector in the Midlands is the MIRA Technology Park - a developing automotive technology cluster. The Park leverages existing Research & Development assets, including a 100km proving ground (with Europe’s foremost intelligent and connected vehicle test facility) and 38 major automotive test laboratories with considerable subject matter specialist expertise. It has seen significant private sector investment and continues to grow.

C O M M E R C I A L I S AT I O N A N D C O L L A B O R AT I O N

Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst meanwhile, opened in 2012 with the aim to build a globally recognised cluster for therapeutics and related technologies that provides support for translation and commercialisation, both within the UK and internationally, to help deliver innovative new medicines to patients.

Now, six years later, it is clear that it is succeeding in its mission by providing world class services to start-up and growing companies in a supportive collaborative community. The occupiers coach and support each other particularly in areas such as fund raising. Large pharma companies also have partnering desks and regularly meet and frequently collaborate with the occupiers.

The North West of England is home to Sci-Tech Daresbury, which continues to deliver high levels of performance in growth, collaboration and innovation.

Business failure rate is low at less than 5%; sales growth is high at an average of nearly 30% per year over the past 4 years; and over three-quarters of Sci-Tech Daresbury companies collaborate with other organisations on-site. ■

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Science and research: delivering the vision David Parfrey, Executive Chair of Anglia Innovation Partnership LLP, on bringing the Norwich Research Park Vision to life

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ur world is changing, of that there is no question. We are facing new questions which to answer effectively will require new ways of thinking.

Some of the biggest challenges we face include how we feed a growing population, prevent and treat chronic diseases and take our planet back from the brink of irreversible climate change.

The answers to these challenges lie with people; people who have ideas, people who possess passion, people with a vision. We are fortunate enough to have that in droves at Norwich Research Park and have ambitions to grow our global presence significantly by creating an environment where the best minds in the world can apply their research to come up with the answers to many of the global issues we face.

To help people understand what we want to achieve at Norwich Research Park by 2030 we have invested in, and committed to, a very clear Vision: “From the soil to our health, our Vision is to change lives and rethink society through pioneering research and innovation, reframing the future of research and delivering regional growth.”

To achieve this ambitious Vision, we are building a community of communities where people can discover the resolutions to many of the key issues facing the world. The work they will do will benefit the health and welfare of the global population and provide attractive economic and employment prospects for the East of England.

We already have a rich heritage of world-leading research taking place here; our Vision will be the driving force that will transform Norwich Research Park into a centre of global Importance for 2 3 | U K S PA B R E A K T H R O U G H | W I N T E R 2 0 18

• University of East Anglia - from its research into leafcutter ants, it is developing new antibiotics to provide people with greater protection from infection

David Parfrey EXECUTIVE CHAIR, ANGLIA INNOVATION PARTNERSHIP LLP

research-based life sciences, agri-tech, bio-tech, medi-tech, bioinformatics and food & health organisations who want to deliver world-leading research with real-life applications.

It means we will grow our footprint of organisations using their research to come up with resolutions, antidotes and preventative measures to some of the world’s major problems, whilst also providing a better bridge to society.

We are justifiably proud of the great scientific advances being delivered by organisations that call Norwich Research Park their home including the John Innes Centre, The Sainsbury Laboratory, Quadram Institute, Earlham Institute, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital and University of East Anglia, plus the many companies who are based on the Park.

Here is a small sample of the genuinely ground-breaking work currently being carried out on the Park: • Leaf Expression Systems (a spin-out from the John Innes Centre) manufactures proteins, antibodies, enzymes and vaccines from the leaves of plants so that health therapies can be produced quicker and at lower cost

• Tropic Biosciences (the first spin-in company incubated by The John Innes Centre) - developing new strains of banana and coffee plant embryos that will be resistant to the diseases that are currently threatening the very existence of these vital food sources • Quadram Institute/Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital - researching the effects of gut bacteria through clinical trials to develop new therapies that will reduce the burden of disease on people as they grow older • John Innes Centre/Earlham Institute/ University of East Anglia - utilising technology such as robots and drones to monitor the growth of cereal crops and help improve yield performances A huge strength of Norwich Research Park is the concentrated presence of world-leading scientists, entrepreneurs and businesses. An Enterprise Zone location providing business rates benefits, the Park includes 52 hectares of development land, ideal for expanding companies needing bespoke research facilities and office space.

We are committed to our Vision to make Norwich Research Park one of the world’s most prominent science-based research centres, delivering globally crucial solutions whilst supporting our community with excellent learning and career opportunities. ■

To find out more, view our video at: www.norwichresearchpark.com/index.php/

Located at the heart of LUSEP, the Charnwood building offers a variety of office and laboratory suites within a large multi-occupied property

Planning Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park Establishing one of the jewels in the Leicestershire crown

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oughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP) is now well established and a sector leader. It did, however, have a challenging and unusual beginning in 1987.

LUSEP is one of the largest Science Parks in the UK with around 68,000 sq. m of floor space), with future phases allocated in the Local Plan. There are some 75 businesses on-site employing about 2,000 people, ranging from high-tech start-ups to R&D divisions of major companies. It is expected to triple in size and eventually provide about 200,000 sq. m of floor space and to accommodate businesses employing about 6,000 people.

R E A D O N L I N E AT: U K S PA . O R G . U K / B R E A K T H R O U G H

THE SCIENCE PARK PROPOSAL

Alexander Johnston FORMER CHIEF PLANNER, LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

•

Jonathan Hale FORMER DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, CHARNWOOD BOROUGH COUNCIL

A Science Park at Loughborough University was first proposed in the Leicestershire Structure Plan in 1987. At that time, Leicestershire had two universities, Leicester and Loughborough, which have now been joined by De Montfort (formerly Leicester Polytechnic). There were limited development opportunities close to the University of Leicester which is located relatively close to the city centre. In contrast, there were attractive development opportunities on land to the west side of the university campus close to Charnwood Forest, now part of the National Forest.

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IMPACT

The County Council had already helped to fund a small Technology Centre on Epinal Way to the east of the campus and take-up had been impressive. Funding for its development, however, was not forthcoming so the Structure Plan policy was aspirational as well as inspirational. Resources were tight and the three principle players, the University, Charnwood Borough Council and the County Council had other priorities. Two “priority areas” were identified in the Structure Plan: the Area of Mining Decline and the Inner Urban Area of Leicester. The proposed Science Park fell in neither. The result was that although the provision of the Science Park was approved policy, there was no progress on implementation

BRITISH GAS RESEARCH T E C H N O LO G Y C E N T R E

And that is how the position remained until 1989 when a County Council officer noticed that the British Gas Research Technology Centre (GRTC) had been refused planning permission to expand in the Warwickshire Green Belt.

Despite having the support of the local authorities for their original development proposal at Kenilworth, it was called in and eventually refused by the then Secretary of State Nicholas Ridley.

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THERE ARE SOME 75 BUSINESSES ON-SITE EMPLOYING ABOUT 2,000 P E O P L E , R A N G I N G F R O M H I G H -T E C H S TA R T- U P S T O R & D D I V I S I O N S O F M A J O R C O MPA NIE S British Gas was invited to Leicestershire to view the site identified for the Science Park. It was evident that they were looking for a new home; and that they were impressed with the site. British Gas were so concerned about another refusal that they had selected three potential sites for their HQ and ran them concurrently before settling on Loughborough. The fact that the Approved Structure Plan contained a policy proposing a Science Park beside the university gave them confidence and was a key consideration in their decision to relocate to Loughborough.

A planning application was submitted to the Borough Council for “Site for the erection of research and development centre with educational, training and recreational facilities, Science Park and formation of University playing field” towards the end of 1989 and was granted permission in 1990.

T H E P U B L I C I N Q U I RY

Tesco, however, had submitted an application earlier in 1989 for “Site for erection of retail food store, petrol filling station, access road and ancillary surface parking” on an adjacent site which would have compromised the future development of the Science Park.

This wasn’t determined, Tesco appealed and the appeal was held in August 1990.

Tesco’s case was that the principle of superstore development at this location had already been implicitly accepted; that they were prepared to provide an eight acre Science Park; that a Tesco-led Science Park would be highly prestigious; and that the alternative sites put forward by the Borough Council for superstore were unsuitable for a variety of reasons. In other words, Tesco were putting forward a competitive proposal to British Gas.

The County Council’s case was presented by Alexander Johnston, then Assistant Director (Policy and Economic Development). The County’s position was that the provision of a Science Park was approved policy and the best way to achieve that was to have GRTC as the enabling developer rather than Tesco.

Tesco would provide an eight acre Science Park whereas British Gas would provide a 20 acre park, which research suggested was more appropriate as suggested

by Norma Carter in “Science Parks Development and Management”, 1989.

Finally, a letter supporting the British Gas proposal from UKSPA was submitted to the Inquiry.

The Borough Council represented by Jonathan Hale, then Assistant Director (Forward Planning), was that approved planning policy was to locate superstores either within, or close to, the existing town centre and suitable sites were available. It was suggested that, if the Inspector were minded to approve the British Gas proposal, it would be helpful if the development were restricted to high and new technology uses, particularly spin-offs from the university.

The Tesco team was headed by Roy Vandermeer QC. Vandermeer was one of the outstanding Silks of his generation and he subsequently presided over the longest ever planning inquiry (Heathrow, Terminal 5). Nevertheless, the Inspector found in favour of the local planning authorities and the Tesco proposal was dismissed. Most importantly, the types of development permissible on the Science Park were listed in the decision letter.

ATIC (Advanced Technology Innovation Centre) is an ideal base to start up or expand high tech businesses

D E V E LO P I N G T H E S C I E N C E PA R K

The GRTC was completed in 1992. By 1997 the original phase of the Science Park was substantially committed. The University purchased the site in 2003.

The acquisition of a 9 hectare “phase two” site with the help of the former East Midlands Development Agency led to the formal launch in 2007 of the Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park, thus signaling a coordinated approach to the development and promotion of the Park led by the university.

Further developments took place, including establishment of the Energy Technologies Institute in 2008, the opening of SportPark (offices for sports governing bodies) in 2010, additional road and other infrastructure in 2014 and development of a new Advanced Technology Innovation Centre in 2015.

An artist’s impression of the proposed new £22m headquarters being constructed for The Access Group at LUSEP

In 2017, the remaining development land gained Enterprise Zone status and most recently (August 2018) it has been announced that the leading software company, the Access Group, will be moving its HQ to the Park to occupy a new 109,000 sq. ft building.

A N O U T S TA N D I N G FA C I L I T Y

The Park was therefore initiated by a combination of good planning and opportunism. An attractive site was available; a supportive policy planning framework was in place; take-up at an existing technology centre gave grounds for optimism; British gas was attracted to Loughborough as the enabling developer; the two local planning authorities and the University worked closely together as they continue to do; a proposed superstore on the site was rejected; restrictions on inappropriate development such as B8 and retail warehousing were put in place; and a corporate restructuring of British Gas provided the opportunity for the University to take the lead in developing and promoting the Park.

It is now one of the jewels in the Leicestershire crown, contributing substantially to the local economy. It is an outstanding facility for the University, the Borough and County – and most importantly for the businesses that grow and thrive there. ■

With thanks to Jon Walker and Anna Leather of Loughborough University.

For more information, please visit: www.lusep.co.uk

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IMPACT

The buzz from Harlow

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hile there are exciting plans up and down the UK in the Life Sciences sphere, as one of the key sectors for the Government’s Industrial Strategy, a tangible buzz is emanating from Essex in light of Public Health England’s (PHE) new £450m state-of-the-art public health science campus and headquarters relocation to Harlow.

Work is now underway with phased occupation beginning in 2021 with PHE Harlow, as the campus will be titled, expected to bring together around 2,750 staff from the Department of Health agency’s current sites, including Porton in Wiltshire, Colindale in north London, and its current central London headquarters by 2024.

It will be based at the New Frontiers Science Park, former premises of pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, where it will reuse existing large laboratory buildings as well as see the construction of new laboratories, additional office accommodation and a public arrivals area.

On top of the PHE campus, there are further developments underway or at the proposal stage that will see Harlow become a major cluster on the UK’s London, Stansted and Cambridge innovation corridor, now known as the “UK’s Innovation Corridor”.

Harlow Science Park, the 27-acre world-class research and innovation site will focus on clustering opportunities for the Med Tech and Life Sciences sectors.

Work on the first buildings at the Science Park began in October 2018 with the initial phase of construction focusing on a business innovation centre for Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and part-funded

by Essex County Council.

The centre will provide the potential for the commercialisation of spin-off projects from research programmes into new medical technology. The development will capitalise on the growing Med Tech economy in this region, as recognised in the East of England Science and Innovation Audit published in September 2017. As well as

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Dave Russell-Graham INWARD INVESTMENT MANAGER, INVEST ESSEX

David works with the Life Sciences and Healthcare sectors for Invest Essex, the inward investment and business support agency

providing affordable space for start-up businesses, the centre will also be able to provide access to ARU’s extensive clinical trials programme, market intelligence and access to a wide industry network.

The first phase of construction is scheduled for completion in late summer 2019, and ARU’s Innovation Centre will

sit alongside “Nexus”, an office complex owned by Harlow Council being built to help businesses in the technology sector grow. The development will form a significant part of the Harlow Enterprise Zone, which is already home to world class technology businesses like Arrow Electronics and Raytheon.

Ultrafast broadband is guaranteed for new tenants at the Science Park, as the Enterprise Zone is also home to Kao Data, a new data centre which provides state-of-the-art, carrierneutral data centre space. Kao Data was given a huge boost recently with Legal & General Capital agreeing to take a 50 per cent stake in the £230 million data centre campus to serve life science and technology businesses along the innovation corridor. This additional funding will enable the build out of the second and third data centres on the campus.

Meanwhile, there is also potential for much-needed redevelopment of the Princess Alexandra Hospital to ensure it continues to serve the growing population in the surrounding area. ■

A visual of Harlow Science Park, which will focus on Med Tech and Life Science sectors

Lessons from Holland is one of the top Science Parks in The Netherlands and is leading in the areas of Life Sciences and Health. Over 130 businesses and multiple educational and research institutes are located there.

Leiden University and Leiden University

Steijn Ribbens DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT, KADANS SCIENCE PARTNER

Plus Ultra: Incubator and multi-tenant complex on Wageningen Campus

Steijn Ribbens is Director of Corporate Development at Kadans Science Partner. As a member of the board of Kadans, he is responsible for the international expansion strategy of the company

K

adans Science Partner specialises in development, investment and management of buildings for the knowledge-intensive sector on and near Science Parks and university campuses. With increasing interest from life science companies wanting to develop new products and services in these environments and with mixed use coming to the fore, and a range of amenities so important, Kadans Science Partner is designing cutting edge buildings and soft infrastructure to serve the sector.

Kadans’ core portfolio comprises seven campuses in the Netherlands, and is adding more campuses in the near future, branching out into new markets such as Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.

The latest project, a greenfield development at the entrance of Leiden Bio Science Park, will focus on companies and institutes in the Life Sciences sector but will offer so much more.

Leiden Bio Science Park

Medical Center are pronounced knowledge institutes on campus.

With its 15,000 sq. m floor area of offices, laboratories and general facilities to strengthen the innovative ecosystem of Leiden Bio Science Park, this new building provides a solution to the growing need for tailor-made accommodation on the Park. The new building is located directly on the Plesmanlaan next to the entrance to the centre area of the campus. This new centre area will provide various facilities, such as facilities for living, food services

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Mariënburg Campus: Where scientists from universities and business come together

and leisure, with residing and meeting being the central themes.

The goal is for the design and development of this state-of-the-art laboratory and office building to receive a BREEAM-NL Excellent certificate.

By doing so, the development confirms the ambition of Kadans to add sustainable buildings to its portfolio at the same time.

Kadans is also expanding with a second speculative building at the Technische Universiteit Eindhoven campus in Eindhoven and has secured over 50% occupancy within the first month of the development. The Meulensteen House of Robotics offers tailor-made workshops for individual companies as well as the advantage of shared facilities. The anchor tenant, Eindhoven Medical Robotics, has signed to take space on the second floor, to help build its co-operation with the University of Eindhoven.

All of this follows further specialist development delivered to meet growing university and company needs. On the Mariënburg Campus in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Kadans Science Partner delivered a physical place for the Jheronimus Academy of Data Science, where scientists from universities and business can come together. Joint university programs are now underway and multi-disciplinary work is growing, along with entrepreneurship.

The former monastery has been transformed into a knowledge hub and integrated universities, businesses and student accommodation under one roof.

Times ahead are looking exciting for specialist providers that like to work in close collaboration with seats of learning, government and commerce. ■

For more information, please visit: https://kadans.com/?lang=en

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Trends

Quantitive and qualitative analysis of the innovation ecosystem

Science and innovation is borderless

Looking into Sci-Tech Daresbury’s international appeal

W

hen it comes to international relations, it’s fair to say that the UK is currently experiencing a period of flux.

Despite this, the nation continues to carve out a world-class reputation for science and technology, and this is in no small part down to the success of science campuses like Sci-Tech Daresbury.

Such is the international appeal of the Liverpool City Region-based campus that it is now home to companies from 13 countries beside the UK itself – with Japan, USA, South Africa, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Latvia, Turkey, Israel, Croatia and Ireland all represented. Big name players, with a strong global presence have opted to base operations out of Sci-Tech Daresbury.

Leading-edge technology company, Hitachi High-Technologies (Europe), part of Japan’s Hitachi Group is among them and houses its state-of-the-art electron

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“Locating to Sci-Tech Daresbury puts us in the heart of the UK, offering opportunities to work with academic and industrial partners on the campus and in the region, as well as across the whole of the UK and Europe because of the excellent transport links.”

John Leake BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, SCI-TECH DARESBURY AND DIRECTOR, UKSPA

microscopes and scanning probe microscopes at the campus’ Techspace One building.

Mike Dixon, Nanotechnology Section Manager at Hitachi High-Technologies (Europe), said on arrival at the campus that it would strengthen the company’s applications and technical team, and increasing their commitment to microscopy in the UK, adding:

C ATA LY S I N G O P P O RT U N I T I E S

Collaboration is a key facet that draws an international crowd to Sci-Tech Daresbury. It’s a theme that runs throughout campus; from the private-public joint-venture partnership between property development company Langtree, the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and Halton Borough Council that spearheads it and takes every opportunity to promote Sci-Tech Daresbury across the world, to the campus design itself.

Sci-Tech Daresbury is deliberately designed and operated to catalyse opportunities between SME businesses,

S C I -T E C H D A R E S B U R Y I S S E T U P T O F A C I L I TAT E C O L L A B O R AT I O N TO BRING ABOUT GENUINE WORLD I M P A C T S C I E N C E A N D I N N O VAT I O N corporates, academic institutions and public sector bodies. For many, this symbiotic culture is a huge advantage and one of the main reasons to be based there.

This collaborative culture was a key reason behind Global SAP company G3G’s decision to relocate to the campus in 2018.

Part of South Africa’s Groupelephant.com, G3G is in the campus’ state-of-the-art Techspace Two building and plans to build its presence at Daresbury into a 50 employee SAP Support Centre of Excellence in the North.

G3G’s CEO, Chris Gunter, said: “The campus offers excellent facilities and encourages people to gather together having fostered a genuine culture of collaboration and networking. Sci-Tech Daresbury feels like the Silicon Valley of the North West because of the quality and excellence of its tenant companies and the ambition and vision of the joint venture partners.”

AN INTERN ATION AL REPUTATION Clearly the buildings and facilities at Sci-Tech Daresbury have a major role to play in attracting international tenants.

Techspace One and Two, which offer modern, flexible office space along with high specification laboratories, were part of a £20m investment into the Sci-Tech

Daresbury Enterprise Zone. They will soon be complemented by an additional campus expansion scheme, Project Violet - three new buildings developed at the campus gateway to support growing demand to accommodate science, research and innovation businesses from home and abroad.

The campus has gained a reputation internationally for leading-edge research and development facilities at the STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory and high-performance computing and data analytics centre, the Hartree Centre, which is home to the most powerful super computer in the UK. STFC provides a range of facilities to Sci-Tech Daresbury businesses including rapid prototyping facilities, labs, analytical equipment, and computing and visualisation facilities.

It also supports innovation through incubation programmes with CERN, the UK Space Agency and ESA. Also based at the campus are The Cockcroft Institute, an international centre for Accelerator Science and Technology (AST) and SuperSTEM, one of the world’s highest-resolution electron microscopes. During a visit to Sci-Tech Daresbury last year, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Clark MP described it as

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Mike Dixon and Mats Eriksson from Hitachi, who arrived on campus in September 2017

being: “of national importance and already a globally-recognised destination where science and enterprise meet and where collaboration and co-production are foremost… an incredible asset for the UK and for the North.”

Location also plays a role, of course, with proximity to talent, intellectual capital, international transport networks via Manchester Airport and close ties with surrounding universities in Liverpool and Manchester all play a vital part of Sci-Tech Daresbury’s international pull. When software giant Flexera located to the campus, they said it was the best thing they’d ever done - having access to a rich pool of talent, surrounded by amazing cities and towns and some great universities, and they reported that recruitment and retention of talent was easy.

Professor Janet Beer, Vice-Chancellor of University of Liverpool, one of Sci-Tech Daresbury’s academic partners, has also gone on record to encourage more opportunities for international partnerships between business and academia - such as those already demonstrated at Sci-Tech Daresbury.

Professor Beer said: “We know the efficacy of international collaboration is great – there is much more impact attached to projects that have more international collaboration. As I’m fond of saying, research challenges do not stop at national boundaries. Climate change is global, disease is global, and so the major challenges of our age are literally borderless.”

And that’s what makes Sci-Tech Daresbury so appealing – set up to facilitate collaboration to bring about genuine world impact science and innovation. In 2019, Sci-Tech Daresbury looks set to further cement its international reputation for excellence.

Not only is it proving to be a vital asset as the UK strives to galvanise its position as a world leader in innovation, but it is likely to play an integral role in helping to tackle global challenges of our times that cut across geographical boundaries. ■

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The IASP General Survey 2018 Findings by the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation

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R E A D O N L I N E AT: U K S PA . O R G . U K / B R E A K T H R O U G H

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TRENDS

Measuring Science Park Impact The metrics conundrum

T Luis Sanz DIRECTOR GENERAL, IASP

Luis Sanz has been Director General of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation since 1996. A trained sociologist, he is an expert consultant and senior advisor to Science Parks worldwide

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he well-known dictum by Peter Drucker, “what can be measured cannot be matched”, is, as I see it, an absolute truth. How to measure the results and, furthermore, the impact of Science Parks’ work, is not exactly easy, especially if someone (be they IASP, UKSPA, or other networks or associations) wants to put together the metrics of many Science Parks in a given country, region or even worldwide, trying to find common denominators and to extract the big picture about our industry. Far from easy.

It goes without saying that Science Parks deal with intangibles: knowledge transfer, branding, the culture of innovation, perceptions, the entrepreneurial mindset… All of us involved in Science Parks have probably learned two things: that all this is true and that all this is difficult to explain.

More often than not, we struggle to find

relevant and reliable figures to back up our assumptions and statements.

S C I E N C E PA R K S : I M PA C T A N D P E R F O R M A N C E

But the fact that it is difficult does not mean that we can dispense with measuring what we do. At IASP, we are now busy trying to figure out a methodology, or at least the skeleton of a methodology, that our members throughout the world can use to assess their performance and impact in a relatively efficient way, but also in a way that will have enough common denominators with Science Parks throughout the world to allow us to also draw global conclusions.

During the preparations of this project, a number of things have been discussed that I will try to briefly summarise in the hope that they will cast some light on this issue and help

considered and the objectives set too low or, just as bad, far too ambitious. In other words, evaluating the objectives is a first step before assessing how well or how poorly we have accomplished them.

But this sort of assessment is the endogamic one, if you will allow me the expression, since it does not always take into account the context in which a Science Park operates or its relations with other projects, agents and agendas.

A second type of measurement will include a smart benchmark for comparison of our Science Park with our peers.

C O M PA R I N G P E R F O R M A N C E

Are we performing better or worse than other Science Parks? What are the reasons for one or the other? At this level, the essential issue is to make sure that the right benchmarks have been selected. Benchmarking requires a sufficient degree of homogeneity between the elements that are being compared, and I am not referring only to comparing yourselves with parks of a similar size or budget, but more importantly, to parks with a similar strategic model to yours, operating in a similar socioeconomic context.

Join professionals from global Science Parks and areas of innovation at the IASP World Conference in Nantes, France on 24-27 September. Explore the impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution, and discover French innovation, history and culture

THE INTERN ATION AL DIMENSION I don’t mean to say that UK parks can only compare themselves to other UK parks; you may and probably should use

benchmarks outside your own country, but still in contexts that are sufficiently comparable, for example STPs in other western European countries, rather than in the developing world.

The third, and perhaps most important but also more complex level, would be to compare performance of your Science Park with the overall situation around you: your city, your region… how to measure the impact that your STP has on your closer context, how are your resident companies doing if compared to their peers that are not located in your park? What are the specificities of your park that may not be present elsewhere in your context? In an ideal world, the best measurement exercise would probably combine these three levels. To make things more complicated, but also more fun, we can’t forget that any assessment of the performance or impact of STPs will probably have to serve two purposes, complimentary and yet quite distinct.

On the one hand, we need to prove to our decision makers and to public opinion that their money is being well used and rendering benefits to the community. At the same time, it will have to give us the right vision of our own strategy and management decisions and be probably the best tool to make the necessary corrections and ensure we are moving in the right direction. ■

many of you whenever you have to deal with performance assessment.

We may think of three different main approaches when conducting an evaluation of our activity. In the first instance, and perhaps the easiest, we can simply try to establish to what extent we have or have not accomplished the goals established by our board of directors or similar governing bodies. Meeting those objectives is our first duty as managers and the very first test we will be confronted with.

THE RIGHT GOALS

But of course, we must be sure that these goals are the right ones. In most cases they will be, but there is always room for doubt and discussion, as some important goals that pertain to the STP’s mission may have been neglected, others may have been insufficiently

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The Machines of the Isle of Nantes is an artistic, touristic and cultural project based in World Conference host city Nantes

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TRENDS

Opportunities and Challenges for UK-China collaboration

T

Nathalie Cachet-Gaujard DIRECTOR, EDUCATION AND INNOVATION, THE CHINA-BRITAIN BUSINESS COUNCIL

The China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) helps British and Chinese businesses and organisations work together in China, the UK and third markets around the world

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he landscape of innovation in China has been changing at break-neck speed in recent years. This is partly as a result of decades of investment, but also thanks to more recent policies from the central government. ‘Made in China 2025’, launched in 2016, puts innovation right in the centre of China’s future development strategy; the ‘Innovation Driven Development Strategy’ and the ‘New Generation AI Development Plan’, announced in July 2017, are all aimed at driving innovation and pulling China further up the value chain.

Besides an increase in government support and funding, there has also been a boost in non-state investment.

Significant investment from private Chinese companies, a vibrant venture capital (VC) scene, and the emergence of an entrepreneurial class is further contributing to the end of the copycat era and the start of indigenous innovation in China.

China is shifting away from an investment and export-led model, and innovation, together with consumption, is now seen as the main driver for current and future growth.

The country has stated its intention to join the ranks of the world’s top innovative nations by 2020; to become a leading country in innovation by 2030, and a strong global leader and international hub of science and innovation by 2050. The fact that

China already made it into the top 20 on the Global Innovation Index 2018 (17th) is an illustration of the rapid progress it is making.

The confluence of a number of factors makes China a likely leader in some fields of innovation. Firstly, the sheer size of the Chinese market enables even niche technologies to be commercially viable. In addition, the unique needs and challenges of the Chinese market give potential for innovation to blossom. Upgrading the manufacturing sector, solving environmental problems and dealing with a rapidly ageing population are all major issues China is facing and require innovation to be addressed effectively.

Furthermore, China has an unparalleled supply chain that allows for rapid up-scaling and product-tomarket conversion; it has a huge talent pool of highly qualified graduates and adds 8 million graduate students every year; finally, it can access a vast amount of user data which is constantly expanding thanks to the recent digitisation wave.

A N O P P O RT U N IT Y F O R T H E U K TO C O L L A B O R AT E W IT H C H I N A

The themes of the recent UK industrial strategy – AI, an ageing society, clean growth, mobility – match China’s sector priorities and reflect the fact they these are global themes addressing global challenges. It also presents the UK and China with the opportunity to collaborate and to build on their respective strengths. This was recognised last year when the UK-China

C H I N A H A S S TAT E D I T S INTENTION TO JOIN THE R ANKS O F T H E W O R L D ’ S T O P I N N O VAT I V E N AT I O N S B Y 2 0 2 0 ; T O B E C O M E A L E A D I N G C O U N T R Y I N I N N O VAT I O N B Y 2 0 3 0 , A N D A S T R O N G GL O B A L L E A D E R A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L H U B O F S C I E N C E A N D I N N O VAT I O N B Y 2 0 5 0 Joint Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation was officially launched on 6th December 2017, outlining the commitment for both nations to take science and innovation collaboration to a new level.

THE CHALLENGES TO BE AWARE OF Whilst opportunities in UK-China cooperation in innovation and technology are real, it is important for UK companies to ensure that IP risk and cyber security are properly managed. CBBC has, in collaboration with the IPO, put together a set of best-practices that can help UK companies mitigate intellectual property and cyber security risk in China:

• Apply for your IP rights in China –

Chinese companies and education institutions in China highly value IP certificates. Make sure you get your intellectual property registered in China, including copyright for software.

• Make sure your contracts are

China-ready – It is perhaps surprising to know that contracts are increasingly well respected in China. Work with a lawyer with China experience to make sure your contract complies with Chinese regulations and fits your business needs.

You will find that having a legally binding contract is helpful to shape the behaviour and attitude of different parties.

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• Be Innovative – Under the pressure

of rapid economic transformation and fierce competition in the market, most businesses in China are determined to improve their products and services.

Other than binding your partner with legal terms and IP rules, bringing innovation and new ideas to projects is much more helpful to incentivise successful partnerships.

• Gain political support – Chinese

companies are usually very sensitive to political ebbs and flows. Get the government and the embassy to provide you with the necessary support. Showing your partner and the people in the industry that you have political backing will increase their confidence in the profitability and viability of your business plan.

• Understand other regulations

which may impact on your business operations and influence your IP Strategy; these include TIER (Technology Import Export Regulations), the Cybersecurity Law and related regulations, and Scientific data requirements. ■

For further information on CBBC, please visit: www.cbbc.org

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DAY IN THE LIFE

DOCK, Pioneer Park, LEICESTER, UK

BIOGRAPHY Luke Pulford is Workspace Manager at DOCK - a purpose built Science Park for knowledge economy businesses, supporting Leicester’s growing innovation, technology and science sectors. Most of his professional career has been spent working with growing businesses in the city

Luke Pulford

Running Leicester’s innovation centre for high tech businesses It’s 6-something and I am woken up by our sons. With a 1 and 2 year old, there isn’t much need for an alarm anymore! I’m lucky that working so close to home means I can have a relaxed morning most of the time when I am in the office. Playing games with the boys for a bit before breakfast is a real luxury for me.

Then I’ll take our dog for a walk which gives me a chance to think about what I have coming up during the day and which things on my to-do list are priorities for today.

After a 15 minute drive around Leicester I get to the office and go and find the cleaning and caretaking staff to see if they are OK and check there’s nothing that needs sorting urgently.

FEB

21

ON CALL...

Laura, who runs our reception, starts early so is always in before me to ensure that our meeting rooms are set up correctly and ensure that customers get a warm welcome. She will update me with what’s going on today with meetings and events and if there is

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anything I need to do for those.

I have a call with a local university who are looking to set up an exciting sector specific accelerator program in one of our spaces. We talk about the practical elements of basing it with us and also about how we can help them.

Then I go straight into another call about our UK Space Agency incubator with another member of the incubator network. It’s great to talk to people doing similar things to us and how we can make sure our offers are complimentary. The rest of the morning is spent looking at lettings and renewals, I prepare some leases and meet with a couple of tenants to negotiate their terms.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Straight after lunch I meet the guys from Tech4i2 who are using big data analytics to produce robust insights into demand and pricing in the commercial property sector. Their work is really useful when looking at setting rental levels and making investment decisions.

Most of the afternoon is spent in a

long, coffee fuelled, meeting with Dock’s fantastic operations manager, Andrea, on our plans for the future.

We work really hard to keep the offer there as amazing as we can. We talk about more electric vehicle charging points, repainting communal areas, making the kitchens more fun with dart boards and video games and what we can feed everyone in the building at our next tenant event. Isn’t it amazing how free food makes people attend events!

INTO EXTR A TIME...

Lastly, as it’s getting towards year end, I spend time looking at the numbers and which of the things on our improvement plan we can action this year. After work, I have a meeting at a fantastic local school where I am a governor. When I get home, I cook dinner for my wife - I love cooking and find it a relaxing way to spend an hour when I get home. I’ve recently gone back to university again, so it’s a good time to get some reading done.

As early a night as possible because tomorrow it all starts again. ■

GUILDFORD, SURREY

Powering the economy through Science and Technology The Surrey Research Park is recognised as a centre of excellence in technology, science, health and engineering. To date it houses over 150 businesses, including leading players such as SSTL, BAE Systems Applied Intelligence Limited, IDBS, Optegra as well as many start-up R&D businesses, all of which enjoy the value of a great environment in an innovation district.

The University of Surrey The Research Park is owned and managed by The University of Surrey renowned throughout the globe for its exceptional performance across teaching and research. The Park maintains close links with the university both physically and through its knowledge base.

The Surrey Technology Centre The STC allows opportunities for opportunity led entrepreneurs and established companies to locate in serviced offices on flexible licence from 120 up to 900 sq ft. This centre incorporates a business incubator and an on-site support team.

Larger units for corporates and high growth companies The Park has accommodation for companies requiring up to 60,000 sq ft.

Outstanding amenities The Park sits at the edge of the thriving university campus with the ÂŁ40m Surrey Sports Park and Hotel within walking distance.

There is easy access to the historic county town of Guildford which offers exciting retail and leisure facilities as well as a rail station, serving London Waterloo.

Communications The Park enjoys outstanding communications with fast links to major airports, road and rail networks.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE WORLD FAMOUS SURREY RESEARCH PARK Telephone: 01483

579693

Email: sales@surrey.ac.uk

surrey-research-park.com

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