Ruth Hall
Chief Executive, UKSPA
World-class research has established the UK as a global life sciences leader. The ambition now is to create the conditions for more innovative companies to start, scale and manufacture here.
The Government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan reinforces that ambition: to make the UK Europe’s leading life sciences economy by 2030, and third globally by 2035. Scientific excellence alone, however, is not enough.
Science parks, research campuses, innovation districts and specialist places of innovation provide the infrastructure and connections that move innovation from discovery through development to scale. They bring together businesses, universities, investors and healthcare organisations with the facilities, networks and expertise companies need to grow.
The UK has the science and talent to lead
Strengthening life science ecosystems
The UK’s life sciences capability is distributed across distinctive regional clusters. Connecting them more effectively strengthens national capability, unlocks investment and connects regional strengths to global markets. This requires investable, well-connected places with the leadership and infrastructure to support business growth.
Strategic national assets
As UKSPA’s strategy sets out, science parks and places of innovation bring together the elements needed to drive regional economic growth, accelerate scientific discovery and tackle complex societal challenges. A stronger evidence base, sustained investment and better alignment between national policy and place-based capability will help direct investment to achieve the greatest possible impact.
The UK has the science and talent to lead. We now need to ensure we have the infrastructure and connected ecosystems to turn that advantage into growth.
