WITH science and technology set to play a major part in our future economy, we must ensure the region is able to capitalise on its potential to develop in this sector.

And, as one of the UK’s leading science and technology parks is based right here in the North East, we are fortunate to be at the heart of innovative developments.

Here, Stewart Watkins, managing director of County Durham Development Company (CDDC) which encourages innovation and strategic investment on behalf of Durham County Council, looks at the impact that the county’s flagship development is having.

The rapid progress we’ve made at the North East Technology Park (NETPark) in Sedgefield is ample reward for Durham County Council’s vision to convert the former Winterton Hospital site into a vital part of the north east’s science and technology infrastructure.

Managing NETPark on behalf of the council, we’ve turned this vision into reality, and since 2004 when the first building (Durham University’s Research Institute) was opened, NETPark has been going from strength to strength.

A strength drawn in no small measure from NETPark’s role as an interface between business and the five universities throughout the north east.

The universities’ world-class research strengths generate spin-out companies which can find the ideal early-stage space and support they need at the NETPark Incubator.

With its adaptable mix of laboratory and office space, the Incubator has quickly become home to some of the most progressive, cutting-edge companies in the country. It provides an ideal environment in which high-technology companies can thrive as part of a like-minded community.

NETPark is also the location of the Printable Electronics Technology Centre (PETEC), the UK flagship facility for the development of printable electronics.

This relatively new technology, which uses common printing techniques to print electronic circuits on to flat surfaces, has the potential for high growth. Although officially opened as recently as March 2009, PETEC has already attracted a further £20m of Central Government and One North East funding to develop its facilities.

So NETPark has a focus on high level scientific research and exists to drive forward the commercialisation of this research. It’s not designed to be self-contained, isolated from the rest of the community, but to be an integrated and contributing part of that community.

To keep the momentum going, it’s essential to engage with and excite the next generation about science and technology by working closely with local communities and schools to demonstrate the work being done on their doorsteps and show them ways they can be involved in its future.

This is NETPark’s role as one of the north east’s Innovation Connectors – providing the leading edge facilities and the business/academic collaboration, but also stimulating wider physical regeneration in the locality and spreading the economic benefits. Raising awareness of how and why science and technology matters in everyday life and of the career opportunities it offers.

It’s all about putting down roots to build for a sustainable future. The aim is not only to create the right conditions to be able to take scientific breakthroughs and develop them into commercial products, but also to look at maximizing the potential of the knowledge economy to create jobs and improve the prospects for future generations.

While we’re developing a physical community at NETPark, and embedding it in its home community, we recognise that not every business will be able to locate at Sedgefield.

So we looked for a way that, wherever they were based, innovative companies and individuals could exchange ideas and source the information and resources they need to help them thrive.

NETPark Net, a virtual science park was set up to enable this kind of exchange to take place. To enable companies not physically located on NETPark to access facilities and workshops remotely and also to share information and expertise.

One-to-one workshops, clinics and events which cover a range of topics including innovation, collaboration and consultancy services can help businesses grow and flourish. Or start-up companies can set up a virtual office facility.

The project is being funded by the European Union’s ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007– 13, securing £221,000 ERDF investment through regional development agency One North East. The agency is contributing a further £165,000 from its Single Programme, with £326,000 from Durham County Council.

Here at CDDC we believe that by supporting and promoting the development of science, engineering and technology-based businesses, we can make a significant contribution to County Durham’s future economic prosperity.

To find out more about NETPark and NETPark Net visit www.northeasttechnologypark.com  and www.uknetpark.net