Member Article

Science park expert confirmed for NETPark conference

The latest in a number of high-profile speakers has been announced for a prestigious conference taking place in the region later this month.

Hans Moller, CEO of Scandinavia’s first science park, Ideon, will discuss areas of possible focus for science parks and how this can help with their success at the European division workshop of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) at NETPark, Sedgefield.

Focusing on Life Sciences and It-Telecoms, Ideon has created more than 12,000 jobs in more than 700 different companies and is home to success stories such as Sony Mobile and ST Ericsson.

Attendees at conference can look forward to hearing from some of the leading science park chiefs from across the continent.

The event will take place from November 27 to 29 at NETPark, the science and technology park operated by Business Durham, Durham County Council’s business gateway.

Hans said: “I’ll be talking to the attendees about the importance of understanding that deciding whether or not to specialise is not a decision that science parks only make once.

“As markets and circumstances evolve, science parks must always evaluate their strategy to retain and attract more tenants.

“The event also provides a great opportunity to discuss smart specialisation, which is a prerequisite for accessing the next programme of European funding being made available.

“Science parks must be able to demonstrate alignment with their regional specialisations and this event will be an excellent way of stimulating their thinking on this, delivering real added value for the attendees.”

In addition to the expert speakers, workshops and discussions, the event will help show science park managers such things as how they can access help and support, run parks as efficiently as possible, how to best communicate and market their park and how to develop partnerships and spin off activities to broaden the park beyond its physical boundaries.

Dr Simon Goon, managing director of Business Durham, said: “NETPark is recognised as a pioneer in science park management with the way that it works with international science and technology companies based all over the North East.

“The ability to secure such high profile speakers from this sector is proof that County Durham is a global player.”

Companies or individuals interested in registering for this event can do so by visiting www.northeasttechnologypark.com/IASP or by contacting Business Durham on 03000 261261.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .