The 9th Annual Best Practices in Science Based Incubation Conference, opened with a visit to the Liverpool Science Park, a 36, 000 sq ft centre of versatile office space opened in 2006, home to over 70 knowledge based companies. The park provides accommodation, business support services and access to technical expertise to innovation-based businesses breaking out onto an international stage. The centre is a hub of knowledge exchange, which for growing companies, helps to refine value propositions, optimize costs and forge prosperous industry connections. It is no surprise companies of various size, specialities and regional origins are attracted to such a unique option for business development. Chloe Young, Business Development Director for the Technology Science Park spoke of the expansion plans to include another 40, 000 sq ft. The Soft Landing Centre is comprised of free office facilities dedicated to attracting companies to test the swelling digital media and life sciences markets in the North West region. The Soft Landing Centre hosts a variety of events, provides ad hoc advisory services and links local university personnel to the board. However, a common challenge remains: that of managing the relationship between entrepreneurs and university experts, ensuring optimal engagement and the leveraging of local resources. The risky, extensive real estate development and private investments are testament to the public faith in such centres to making a lasting economic impact.
