Paul Walker

Mar 14 2008 by Karen Wilson, The Journal

NEWCASTLE has a long history as a city of technology, innovation and industry and it is those skills and traditions that lie at the heart of Newcastle Science City’s plans.

A shift over time from traditional shipbuilding and coal mining industries to a new knowledge-based economy presents a bold new future to build on. Indeed, our traditions will enable Newcastle Science City to demonstrate, develop and deliver new world-class science in the future with opportunities for business and the local skills base.

As one of six English Science Cities, Newcastle’s role in a select group of locations determining the future directions and definitions of science carries with it a great responsibility. Our activities should not be ‘science for science’s sake’ but a means of delivering wider commercial opportunities that will take science from the labs and turn it into viable businesses and practical benefits.

These objectives are rightly ambitious and will be part of a long-term strategy for growth and regeneration of the regional economy and its fortunes. As such, Newcastle Science City brings together universities, business and industry to work together in achieving this.

Newcastle’s name is already known in areas such as stem cell research and as a centre of study into the effects of ageing. These areas – and others of particular excellence and strength – are where our future lies. It is here that a real difference can be made by taking our expertise even further in the future.

At the heart of this will be the new mixed-use development on the former Brewery site in Newcastle, a flagship site suitable for the needs of research, development and business in the 21st Century. This exciting proposal underwent widespread public consultation during November 2007 which demonstrated the enormous potential for the future for business, science and the public.

If science is to grow and flourish as we wish, the development of the economic and entrepreneurial culture will need to attract potential investors in the future. Ensuring those conditions are present is the responsibility of Newcastle Science City Partnership of Newcastle University, One NorthEast and Newcastle City Council. Together the partners are already well advanced in seizing the fantastic commercial opportunities in the key areas of research where our reputation is growing all the time.

Already, an increasing number of renowned scientists are choosing to base themselves and their research teams here, enhancing a vibrant academic and scientific community and building the excellence and reputation that will attract global interest.

Newcastle Science City is already providing a focal point for the current and future activities of a diverse cross-section of science, individuals, teams, institutions and organisations. This is in the very best tradition of innovation and enterprise that the North East is known for and will mark us out once more.

The future is already here.

Paul Walker is chief executive of The Sage Group plc and chairman of Newcastle Science City board.