UKSPA 40th Anniversary conference

UKSPA conference 40th Anniversary was held from October 16th to 18th hosted by IASP member University of Warwick Science Park in Coventry, UK.  IASP CEO Ebba Lund took part in a panel exploring the future of science parks and was joined by UKSPA Chair John Leake, Place and Levelling UP Director at UKRI Dean Cook, and Richard O’Boyle, Pioneer Group CEO.  

The session covered the roles that governments and the property sector play in science park futures, and what can be learned in terms of international best practices to help the UK make the most of opportunities. 

Ebba touched on the many possibilities of collaborations between science parks internationally as a result of their expansive hybrid communities. She also highlighted the importance of the wider community in our industry, shifting the focus from just the management teams.  

Ebba also showcased some of the trends in the evolution of IASP members. She noted the rising number of medium and large resident companies at science parks, and its link to increased internationalisation in the past decade. The data also shows a greater female involvement in science park management, both in the UK and internationally. Lastly, Ebba commented on the growing number of expansion plans for science parks across the IASP network, the positive impact that has for the future of the industry.  

The panel also discussed ongoing interest in place-based R&D investment, which may influence government investments into strategic research institutions and what UKSPA and UK science parks could be asking of government, as well as touching upon private sector investment and what might be expected from the private sector in the future. 

In addition to the networking activities with industry leaders, specialists and keynote speakers, the UKSPA event also included technical tours, the UKSPA award programme, and a gala dinner, enjoyed by all.   

Congratulations to UKSPA on hosting a successful conference and of course on its 40th anniversary.