News of all the keynote speeches and networking opportunities from our recent York event …
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UKSPA York Conference
News of all the keynote speeches and networking opportunities from our recent York event …
UKSPA held its triannual conference at York Racecourse on May 9-10 . The two-day conference was based around nine thematic themes incorporating ten 40-minute sessions each , with an international stream hosted by The International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation ( IASP ), and a well-attended exhibition sponsored by S-Lab .
The conference brought together over 400 influencers within the UK and international science park and innovation site ecosystem to discuss best practice , new approaches , and the impact and challenges of current policy and funding matters . Sessions were well attended , and speakers encouraged participant questions and discussion .
On the evening of Tuesday 9 May participants attended a drinks reception , followed by a gala dinner and 2017 UKSPA awards ceremony . Please see p16-17 for separate awards coverage .
Both the conference and the awards dinner were chaired by Dr David Hardman , CEO of Innovation Birmingham and Chairman of UKSPA .
WELCOME A very warm welcome to the conference was presented by co-hosts Paul Wright , Director and CEO of UKSPA , and Peter
James , Director of S-Lab . The event was timely with rapid advances in science and technology , changes in higher education , research and innovation funding , and many other factors creating new opportunities and challenges for our universities , science parks and incubators . Those of us working in the UK are also facing an uncertain future as we face the impending impact of Brexit .
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Dr David Canter , Senior Associate Vice President , University of Michigan , and Executive Director , North Campus Research Complex ( NCRC ), presented the first keynote presentation . Responsible
12 | UKSPA breakthrough | Summer 2017