Science parks, innovation centres and related initiatives (such as technology parks, research parks and technology incubators) support the formation and growth of research based or innovative businesses. Research suggests they increase survival rates among such businesses by providing access to appropriate property, business and financial support. Science Parks are also important tools in the commercialisation of research, helping to link universities and other research institutions to businesses.
SQW is a world leader in work on science parks and innovation centres. Where appropriate, our expertise is complemented by the practical know-how of our sister company, Oxford Innovation, which is the UK’s leading operator of innovation centres and which provides innovation advice to businesses.
SQW has advised on around 80 schemes in over 20 countries worldwide, including market and feasibility studies, detailed planning, support for start up, review of operations and evaluations of impact. We seek to ensure schemes are designed, developed and operated to suit the specific needs of a locality, and to address the primary objectives of the sponsors. This is often complicated because science parks and innovation centres frequently have multiple sponsors, each with their own expectations and constraints. We identify and address these explicitly, so that the main purpose(s) and focus of each scheme are clear.
SQW often takes the lead role in projects, but internationally we usually work closely with local consultants to ensure that international experience is combined with local knowledge. We also often involve people in our teams with hands on experience of running successful science parks or innovation centres elsewhere, so that we can provide sound, practical advice.
Examples of SQW projects
Lancaster Science Park demand study
SQW was commissioned, with Oxford Innovation, to carry out a study to determine the likely demand for a proposed new Science Park, to be located next to Lancaster University. The three main partners in the project were NWDA, Lancaster University and Lancaster City Council. The study involved the assessment of demand from private sector, spin-out and inward investing companies using entry criteria established by the partners, plus the development of recommendations on the preferred model to be used in managing and developing the park.
Appraisal for a proposed Innovation Centre at Unilever’s Colworth Park Research Establishment
SQW was commissioned, with Oxford Innovation, to prepare a market demand assessment and an economic appraisal for a proposed business innovation centre at Colworth Park in Bedfordshire, in the heart of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. Having housed UnileverÃs corporate research centre for more than 50 years, the Park was to be developed as a science and research environment, offering accommodation and services for knowledge-intensive businesses. Being developed in parallel with a new amenity centre, the Innovation Centre was seen as pivotal to the success of Colworth Park, acting as a seedbed for new occupier activity and setting the tone for new development activity.
Economic and market appraisal of a proposed science park at Scottish Crop Research Institute
SQW was commissioned by Scottish Enterprise Tayside to undertake an economic and market appraisal of a proposed science park on land managed by SCRI in Tayside. The proposed park was also expected to facilitate a major corporate change process within SCRI aimed at encouraging a more commercial culture at the Institute. The study involved a review of documentation and a wide range of interviews with SCRI stakeholders to assess market failure underpinning the rationale, and the current standing and commercialisation potential of SCRI in order to provide an appraisal of the park itself.
Design of support programme for technology service centres in Croatia
As part of the preparation of a World Bank technology development project for Croatia, SQW was asked to review existing technology service centres, and develop proposals for their further development, and for related support to new and small technology based firms, including provision of incubator space for new businesses, and establishment of a seed fund.
Feasibility studies for Science Parks in Exeter and Plymouth
SQW was commissioned to undertake feasibility studies for science parks in Exeter and Plymouth, linked to the respective Universities and to the creation of a new joint Medical School. The scheme at Plymouth was located immediately adjacent to the main hospital and to an existing small science park, and was specifically focused on healthcare related activities. For the scheme in Exeter, healthcare was one focus for a scheme designed to accommodate, and stimulate the further development of, technology based companies in the area.
Feasibility study for a science park in Panama
SQW was commissioned with a Spanish consultancy to assess the feasibility of developing a technopolis development close to Panama City, designed to support the diversification and modernisation of the local economy and to attract new types of inward investment.