The UKSPA Spring Conference is one of the standout moments in the sector’s calendar and an event I look forward to every year. It’s a brilliant opportunity to reflect and build on the vital role our science parks and innovation districts play in sustaining the UK economy and driving breakthrough research across so many critical areas of science and technology.
We shouldn’t underestimate the strength and richness of the UK’s knowledge economy. It consistently sets a global benchmark, with world‑leading research emerging from across our universities and innovation ecosystems. And with continued investment and growth on the horizon, that impact is only set to increase.
However, to truly unlock this potential, we can be better at joining the dots as a national sector. Too often, the regional perspective becomes the focus, when there is so much value to be gained from elevating the conversation to all corners of the UK, north to south, east to west. UKSPA plays a central and much‑needed role in enabling this truly joined‑up conversation.
As an architectural practice who has worked in the science and technology sector since our founding 43 years ago, the conference’s return to Glasgow carries special resonance. While our roots were established in Scotland’s central belt, our footprint has grown to having an established presence across the UK.
With so many of our clients, collaborators and friends in the room, the conference is a great opportunity to reflect with our wider network and to be part of showcasing the remarkable activity underway across the UK. The Glasgow City Innovation District is the ideal host location from which to do this, as Scotland’s first innovation district which puts Glasgow on the map as a global hub for innovation-led growth”.
