News

Minister welcomes Durham University's knowledge-based business plans

(18 December 2002)

The University of Durham's plan to locate some of its knowledge-based business activity and scientific research at the NetPark science and technology complex in County Durham was welcomed today by the Department of Trade and Industry Minister Nigel Griffiths during a visit to the University. During discussions at Durham Business School about the University's work in entrepreneurship, small business support and technology transfer he heard that two key areas are earmarked for Netpark.

Nigel Griffiths said: "The UK has some of the most innovative entrepreneurs and some of the most talented scientists in the world. However, we've not always exploited the collaboration between business and science to its full potential.

"I'm delighted to be here to see that Durham University is playing a key role in developing links between science and industry which is fantastic news not just for the North East, but for the UK economy as a whole.

"The Government is committed to exploiting this potential further. The funding for incubation feasibility projects which will help boost collaboration between universities and hi-tech businesses is a key example of that commitment."

The University plans to relocate:

• the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation (CfAI) Scientists and engineers at Durham's Department of Physics are working with observatories all around the world to improve the quality of astronomical imaging and observation. They help to construct, commission and exploit novel instruments for optical and infrared astronomy, using state-of-the-art advanced technology, and have already built and commissioned more than 10 new instruments for the UK's largest telescopes in the Canary Islands, Australia and Hawaii.
• - Digital Enterprise Technology (DET). In the rapidly expanding field of e-science, many commercial developments can be made much more effectively by using expertise in handling very large data-sets and utilising distributed knowledge within the enterprise. Durham's Design & Manufacturing Research Group, in the School of Engineering, uses DET to harness the latest developments in computer modelling, graphics and information management to give industry important new insights into developing their products, reducing risks and improving their responsiveness to customers. One of its activities, the innovative Agility Programme, has been running for more than two years and has helped many manufacturing companies to adapt quickly and profitably to rapidly-changing market conditions.

Discussions are at an advanced stage with County Durham Development Company, which is leading the development of NetPark. The University prepared a briefing for Mr Griffiths, whose responsibilities include small businesses, for his visit with DTI officials and Bishop Auckland MP Mr Derek Foster, a keen supporter of the scheme.

The full range of discussions at the Business School, hosted by Professor John Anstee, the University's Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor, covered:

• - Durham Business School with Director Professor Tony Antoniou and colleagues to outline its work in teaching, research and consultancy in Entrepreneurship and the long-established activities of the School's Foundation for SME Development in the region and the wider world.
• - the North East Centre for Scientific Enterprise with Director Professor Brian Tanner. Durham University was successful in winning DTI special funding to set up, in association with the Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside universities, one of the UK's 12 science exploitation centres. It is helping to promote University "spin-out" businesses based on the results of scientific research. Durham has already produced more than 10 new companies ranging from robot inspectors for underground pipelines to new treatments for brain and nervous system disorders.
• - NetPark with Mark Lloyd, Director of Economic Development and Planning for Durham County Council and Chief Executive of County Durham Development Company. The vision for NetPark is to establish a science and technology park at the heart of the region - just north of Sedgefield village - as a key piece of the region's economic network. A place for turning ideas into jobs, it will host a combination of university research, spin-out businesses and high tech companies, with on-site expertise and support for knowledge-based business.
  
  Professor Anstee, who is a member of the NetPark Steering Group, said: "The University has worked closely with the County Council and other partners over the development of the NetPark concept. We are now finalising our plans to move two important areas of activity to the site. NetPark offers the opportunity to engage more extensively with business and support the region's aspirations to develop a knowledge-based economy."
  
  Mark Lloyd, said: "Netpark is a place where the great minds of the world will meet. Today's announcement by the University that two of their world class activities are to be located on Netpark is fantastic news. The Centres for Advanced Instrumentation and Digital Enterprise Technology are very welcome early occupiers of Netpark. We look forward with great excitement to both centres being tremendously successful in their new home there.