The conference was a chance to not only reflect on how far the sector has come in that time, but also what the future will hold.
Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Research & Innovation, delivered a pre-recorded message to attendees.
A range of speeches and panel sessions took place throughout the conference, delving into topics such as how the UK’s innovation sector can make itself more attractive to investors, the importance of collaboration between the public and private sector to keep science parks viable, and the need to continue funnelling talent into cutting-edge companies via universities.
Highlights included a panel session featuring Malcolm Parry, a founding member of UKSPA alongside the-then head of UWSP David Rowe, reflecting on how the organisation became true disruptors in the property industry by offering flexible, short leases during a time where 25-year leases were the norm.
A further panel session, chaired by UKSPA Chair John Leake, then focused on the future of science parks, the challenges they face and how presenting a compelling offer to government and investors, as well as learning from best practice overseas, can help to overcome them.
The Gala Awards Dinner was also a highlight, with UWSP winning the Partnership Award: Full Members (Large) for its work with stakeholders across the Midlands to improve outcomes for both UWSP and its tenants, as well as picking up three other nominations.
Mark Tock, Chief Operations Officer at the University of Warwick Science Park, said: “It was an honour to host the 40th anniversary UKSPA Conference, and I hope attendees appreciated the many insightful talks and sessions across the three days.
“While many themes were discussed, the topics of the need for further collaboration between the public and private sectors and academia, as well as the establishment of solid partnerships between these bodies, regularly came up. That made it particularly pleasing to win an award for the partnerships we have forged with key stakeholders in the region.
“As we celebrate our own 40th anniversary this year and reflect on how far UWSP has come in that time, we are ready to play our part in fostering these relationships and helping turn innovative ideas into commercial success for the benefit of society, both in the short and long term.”
John Leake, Chair at UKSPA, added: “The 40th anniversary conference proved to be a great success reflecting all that is great about the Association with our 150 science park and innovation location members.
The Awards ceremony, expertly hosted by Jim Al-Khalili, showcased the breadth of excellence across the sector from sustainability to partnerships and networks, customer service to innovation, tackling the skills challenges to celebrating the best of the young talent in science parks.
“The conference showcased some excellent speakers including George Freeman MP, Dame Jessica Corner, Executive Chair of Research England, Paul Monks, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Energy and Net Zero, CBI’s Jordan Cummins and Angelene Woodland of the British Business Bank. Alongside this we had some great debates on innovation clusters, responsible implementation of AI, increasing diversity and inclusivity, the future of Life Sciences, and the world of investment.
“Our 350 delegates went away inspired, motivated and challenged by what has been achieved by our sector in the last 40 years and full of confidence for what the next 40 years will bring.”
