David Hardman

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.

For more information on UKSPA, visit www.ukspa.org.uk.  For information on Birmingham Science Park Aston, visit www.bsp-a.com.