Dr David Hardman MBE, Managing Director for Bruntwood SciTech in Birmingham, is to step down at the end of the year, after 23 years working in the science parks industry, the last 13 of which have been focussed on leading the strategy, vision and development of the Innovation Birmingham Campus, which included the launch of a number of new initiatives such as the Serendip access to innovation programme and entrepreneurs for the future (e4f).
David joined Bruntwood SciTech in 2018 following the acquisition of the Innovation Birmingham Campus and has been instrumental in its growth and expansion. The development of the £33m, 120,000 sq ft Enterprise Wharf currently under construction will more than double the size of the Campus and will be the city’s first smart-enabled building. David has also been pivotal in establishing Bruntwood SciTech’s new joint venture with the University of Birmingham to develop the new Birmingham Health Innovation Campus in Selly Oak – the first phase of which will open in 2023.
David will continue to work with Bruntwood SciTech on a part-time basis as Strategic Partnership Advisor and will remain a leading figure in the West Midlands science and tech ecosystem, as a NED to the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP along with his roles on the Innovation and Enterprise Boards of the West Midlands Combined Authority and the GBSLEP. He will also continue as a champion of skills in the sector as a member of Birmingham’s Titan Partnership Executive Board, WMCA digital skills partnership and a mentor for Founders4Schools.
Jamie Clyde, will take on a permanent role as Innovation Services Director and Regional Director for Bruntwood SciTech, covering the Innovation Birmingham Campus and the Golden Triangle. Jamie will work closely with David to ensure the continued expansion and development of Bruntwood SciTech in the region, while Kath Mackay picks up responsibility for Birmingham Health Innovation Campus in her new recently announced role as Life Sciences Director.
Kate Lawlor, chief executive, Bruntwood SciTech, said: “After 23 years in the science parks industry and innovation sector I want to say a heartfelt thank you to David for everything he has achieved for Birmingham, the West Midlands and the UK science and technology sector. We’re pleased that David’s expertise will remain with Bruntwood SciTech a little while longer and wish David, Jamie and Kath every success in their new roles.”
