Jane Hutchins, Director, Cambridge Science Park, has been appointed Interim Vice Chair of the UK Science Park Association (UKSPA).
Jane will work alongside Interim Chair Roz Bird, CEO Ruth Hall and the UKSPA Board as the Association delivers its new strategy, strengthening the collective voice of science parks and innovation clusters and championing their role in driving innovation and economic growth across the UK.
With more than two decades of experience in managing science parks and supporting innovative businesses to grow, Jane brings extensive practical experience to the role. Her early career encompassed B2B sales, financial regulation and policy making, giving her a broad perspective that has proved valuable in supporting start-ups and creating environments in which businesses can thrive.
In 2022, Jane relocated from Southampton to take up her role at Cambridge Science Park, becoming part of the world-renowned Cambridge innovation ecosystem. Her work there has added to her understanding of the ingredients that help successful innovation places thrive, including what works and, critically, what doesn’t.
Jane regularly advises governments, investors and developers in the UK and internationally, sharing lessons from the UK’s experience and exploring how they can be applied in different environments.
Jane said: “One of the great strengths of UKSPA is the breadth of experience within its membership. There is so much we can learn from one another, whether we are managing established science parks, developing innovation districts or supporting businesses through incubators and other specialist environments.
“Successful innovation places don’t exist in isolation. Building strong links with the communities around us, connecting people across traditional boundaries and sharing what we know can create opportunities that benefit both innovative businesses and the wider economy.
“I’m delighted to take on the role of Interim Vice Chair and look forward to working with Roz, Ruth, the Board and UKSPA members as we put the new strategy into action.”
Away from work, Jane is a keen choral singer and yacht racer. Since moving to landlocked Cambridge, she has also become a convert to rowing eights. A lifelong supporter of the arts, she is particularly interested in celebrating the contribution that creative disciplines can make to science and technology communities.
