UKSPA Member Conference

UKSPA gathered at The Oxford Science Park on Thursday 31st March and Friday 1st April 2022. Following on from the last UKSPA in–person conference in December, the two days considered current national and regional trends. There were speakers on the key drivers for growth and the ambitious vision for the Oxfordshire region and the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, in stimulating competitive growth, investment and job creation for the UK economy.

The conference hosted sessions on sustainability, incubation and business support, and the important role that clusters and clustering play in delivering opportunities, skills and high growth innovation ecosystems.

Throughout the two days, leading speakers from the UKSPA network and key partners discussed in depth the challenges, opportunities and innovative ways the sector continues to further engage, inspire and grow their communities in the post pandemic world.

Presentations: Thursday 31 March

An update from The Oxford Science Park – Thriving through the pandemic and looking to future growth. Rory Maw, Chief Executive Officer, The Oxford Science Park

Attracting occupiers and helping them grow. Growing a vibrant R&D and commercial ecosystem at The Oxford Science Park. Dr Elodie Siney, Laboratory & Facilities Services Manager, The Oxford Science Park

Science and tech cluster evolution – lessons from the Oxford-Cambridge Arc market. Sue Foxley, Research Director, Bidwells

The Growth of the University of Oxford Innovation Ecosystem. Dr Deborah Spencer, University Lead, UK Industrial Strategy/New Innovation Strategy, University of Oxford

Presentations: Friday 1 April AM

Retrofit Revolution – delivering energy efficiency in Science Parks. Rui Dinis, Head of Life Sciences, Elementa Consulting and Clara Bagenal George, Associate, Elementa Consulting

The evolution of ESG and sustainability requirements and implications for the science. Nick Hayes, Partner,  Ridge and Partners LLP

Fostering a climate of change. Community Engagement at Milton Park, Veronica Reynolds, Sustainability and Community Manager, Milton Park

What we did with 1560 plastic bottles. Martin Morlidge, Head of Commercial Operations, University of Chester

Connecting community: Developing an effective ecosystem which thrives on innovation and collaboration. Jane Kennedy, Chief Business Officer, Discovery Park

Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst: A look at the eco-system that supports innovation and commercialisation. James Latham, Development and Leasing Director, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst

Building our community for impact. Vicky Fletcher, Surrey Research Park

Presentations: Friday 1 April PM

Harnessing the value of the cluster. Professor Tim Vorley, Pro Vice – Chancellor and Dean, Oxford Brookes Business School

Silverstone Park and Silverstone Technology Cluster – case study. Roz Bird, Commercial Director, Silverstone Park

The UK as a global life sciences super cluster. Martin Field, Co-Chair, ULI European Life Science & Healthcare Council

Accelerating the growth of the ecosystem. Stephen Mayers, Innovation Director, SETsquared Partnership

ArIse Innovation Hubs: The challenges and opportunities in cultivating an innovative ecosystem for entrepreneurs. Beverley Vaughan, ArIse Innovation Hubs Director, Anglia Ruskin University

A new approach to business support from Sussex Innovation & the University of Sussex – The Innovation Masterclass Series. Nigel Lambe, Chief Executive Officer, Sussex Innovation

Creating an R&D Decade: Government support for research and innovation. Professor Sarah Main, Executive Director, Campaign for Science and Engineering.

Super collaboration and super clusters. Universities in the role of catalyst for the Oxford to Cambridge Arc. Alistair Lomax, Director, Arc Universities Group