This SCKC Ideas Forum will assess the infrastructure needs of the knowledge economy, including both physical infrastructure and virtual networks. Innovative ways of public-private partnership in delivering infrastructure needs will be drawn from practices throughout the UK, and discussed for their relevance in Scotland. Action points will be reached through both plenary speakers and round-table discussion.
Programme
Highlights of included projects
Global Science ‘Scapes’ – A Leverhulme International Network (http://dev.globalsciencespaces.org/): Led by Professor Dave Valler and collaborator Professor Nick Phelps, The project is intended to discover ‘how global labour markets and knowledge flows interact with patterns of international diplomacy and ideas about science, architecture and planning to create distinctive science (land)scapes around the world.’ It focuses specifically on six national comparative case studies: Science Vale UK, Oxfordshire; Kennispark, Netherlands; Daedeok Innopolis, South Korea; Silicon Valley, US; Hsinchu Science Park, Taiwan; and Singapore Science Park.
Innovation Centres Scotland Ltd (ICS, http://www.innovationcentre.org/) is a leading provider of incubation services and support for early stage, growing businesses in Scotland. Its success in this area has led to create two of Scotland’s leading edge business incubation facilities, Hillington Park Innovation Centre near Glasgow and Alba Innovation Centre in Livingston near Edinburgh. The company also operates UK-wide sector focussed initiatives on behalf of Scottish Enterprise and Innovate UK – The Technology Strategy Board as well as a range of consultancy projects for the public and private sector.
Inverness Campus (http://www.invernesscampus.co.uk/): One of the most ambitious projects in Scotland, Inverness Campus will be a nationally and internationally significant location for business, research and education. Developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Campus occupies 215 acres of prime development land sitting adjacent to a thriving life sciences community. With the first buildings to be completed in 2015, the Campus offers a high quality, vibrant location for innovation, business development, collaboration and learning.
Glasgow City of Science (http://www.glasgowcityofscience.com/) is a pioneering partnership that aims to ensure everybody in the city region benefits from science and technology. It recognises the importance of communicating science as part of Glasgow and the West of Scotland’s heritage and culture. The emergence of the Glasgow City of Science initiative signalled a commitment from multi-sector partners to work smarter together to leverage the region’s scientific potential as a major driver of sustainable economic development. It is based in Scotland’s largest city, which is a focus for innovation and great place to invest. A city with great people and a high level of education and skills. A city committed to the growth sectors of the economy, all of which have a science element.
Smart Campus Glasgow (http://www.gla.ac.uk/about/campusdevelopment/smartcampus/): Over the next 10 years, Glasgow University will expand the campus footprint by over 25% – creating a new large scale urban quarter with the University at the heart of a revitalised west end – a project larger than the creation of the original campus in 1870. The planned expansion will provide us with a significant opportunity to exploit the development programme as a test bed for research and teaching in the smart cities field – exploring aspects of urban innovation, city systems, big data, informatics, energy management and transport policy. Through a supporting programme of research and teaching, the University and its partners will build a world-class physical environment designed around the expectations of students, academics, funders, industry and Government.
Glasgow Future City Project (http://futurecity.glasgow.gov.uk/) is an ambitious £24million programme which will demonstrate how technology can make life in the city smarter, safer and more sustainable. The city is now embarking on a trail-blazing programme which will put residents at the forefront of technology integration and application. Analysis of data collected during the demonstrator will assist policymakers and inform future investment. Future City Glasgow is a collaboration between public and private sector agencies providing a range of services to the city. They include Glasgow City Council, Police Scotland, housing providers, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, universities, energy providers and Scottish Enterprise.
