Pictured: Dr David Hardman MBE
Dr David Hardman MBE, chief executive officer of Birmingham
Science Park Aston (BSPA) has been appointed to the board of the
United Kingdom Science Park Association (UKSPA).
David joined BSPA in 2008 and has been instrumental in
spearheading a renaissance of the Park and in particular the
development of a fundamentally new approach to the offering through
the 'Science Parks Without Walls' initiative. This concept connects
start-up businesses at the Science Park with investors, expertise
and experience from around the world.
David, who has joined the board as a director, said: "I am, of
course, delighted to have been elected to the board of UKSPA. At
Birmingham Science Park Aston, I have worked to ensure that we
embrace opportunities offered by the latest ICT collaboration
platforms, which allow us to access global intellectual capital and
support and catalyse Birmingham's knowledge economy. By doing
this we are creating a relevant offering for the entrepreneurs of
the future and creating a science park fit for 2020.
"The opportunity to utilise these collaboration platforms to
strengthen the wider UK science park offering is immense and the
new prospects that being more closely involved in UKSPA will bring
will help us create the necessary connectivity."
Founded in 1984, UKSPA seeks to be recognised as the
authoritative body for the planning, development and creation of
Science Parks that facilitate the development and management of
innovative, high-growth, knowledge-based organisations.
Originally founded with eight members, UKSPA has continued to
grow and now has 69 full members and 14 associate members across
the UK (which are science parks in the planning stages).
Paul Wright, Chief Executive, UKSPA, said: "The work that David
is undertaking at Birmingham Science Park Aston is instrumental in
pushing forward the digital agenda and I am extremely pleased to be
able to welcome him to the board of UKSPA.
"BSPA's Science Park Without Walls concept is an outstanding
initiative that is bridging geographic boundaries and creating a
more unified, global approach to investment. The potential boost
that this can provide to start-ups is vital for the continued
development of this field of work. I know that David will be an
invaluable addition to the board."
A PhD microbiologist, David began his career researching the
application of microbes in the clean technology sector, before
going on to co-found a start-up biotech venture in 1992. Following
this, he spent 10 years leading the commercial development of the
Babraham Research Campus in Cambridge, which focussed on providing
support for healthcare and biotech ventures.