UKBI Training and Development Programme

UKSPA and UKBI are joining together for Rising
to the challenge – Effective Management of Innovation Support in times of Economic Uncertainty, taking place at Keele University Science and Business Park on Tuesday 31st March 2009. This event will question whether the UK is actually an innovation nation, how to promote and manage your site in times of economic decline and the value of investing in knowledge exchange during recession.

In the current economic climate, entrepreneurs and innovations have never been more important and the environments supporting their growth are fundamental to ensuring UK plc has a suitable future.

Business Incubation Environments and Science Parks have long held the keys to ensuring bright people with big ideas make it to market, but they now face unique challenges as well as opportunities for their own futures.

The event will take a practical look at innovation infrastructure and ways of promoting and managing science parks and incubation space in times of economic decline that secure new clients whilst retaining and nurturing the old.

To secure your place, please click here

Programme*

10:00am      Coffee & Registration

10:00am      Welcome, Introduction & Aims for the Day

                    David Gill, Managing Director, St John’s Innovation Centre

 10:30am     Session 1:

                    Is the UK an Innovation Nation?

• Government’s innovation policy
• A reflection on the importance and visibility of Business Incubators and Science Parks
• The position of UK innovation
• Results of innovation missions in India, Eastern Europe and Brazil

                    Nick Stuart, Head of Science and Technology, UK Trade and Invest

 11:15am     Morning Break

11:45am      Session 2:

                   How to Promote and Manage Your Environment in Times of Economic Decline

• Science Park Perspective

                             Roz Bird, Marketing Manager, Granta Park

• Business Incubation Environment Perspective

                             Nick Sturge, Centre Director, SETSquared

 12:30pm     Session 3

                    Ideas and their role in rebuilding the economy

•  The value of investing in Knowledge Exchange during a recession

                             Dr. Patrick Bonnett, Senior Consultant, SQW Consulting

• Growing the start ups from idea to reality

                             Ross Clarke, Centres Director, Innovation Centres Scotland

 1:30pm        Lunch and Networking Break

 2:15pm       Session 4

                    Roundtable Discussions:

                  Funding options & realising value: The reality for entrepreneurial businesses

• Peter Harman, UK Business Incubation
• Tim Bacon, UK Science Park Association
• David Gill, St John’s Innovation Centre

 3:30pm      Summary and Close

 3:45pm      Tour of Keele Science Park

                      Who should attend?

                      Business Incubation Practitioners

                      Science Parks

                      Regional Development Agencies

                      Economic Development Professionals

                      Private Sector Stakeholders

                      Local Government

                     Venue

                     Keele Hall

                     Keele University Science and Business Park

                     Keele Science Park

                     Keele University

                     Keele

                     Staffordshire

                     ST5 5BG

Cost to attend:    £75 UKBI & UKSPA members/ £100 non-members

 *UKBI reserves the right to amend the programme