Place North West Knowledge Economy Forum

This half-day event sponsored by Wates on the morning of 30 September will examine the importance of the knowledge economy to the region and how knowledge assets can be fully exploited to drive growth.

The region has a substantial portfolio of assets, which includes more than a dozen universities, and science parks in Daresbury, Manchester, Liverpool and Lancaster among others. There are also several centres of excellence – many of which are of international importance – in health research and aerospace manufacturing research among others.

The region's knowledge assets have grown considerably through both public and private sector investment in recent years. This includes the development of quality premises and surrounding public realm as well as key centres of excellence.

Speakers include Alex Solk, associate at architect Sheppard Robson, and Chris Musson, chief executive officer of Liverpool Science Park.

The event takes place in the morning, with keynote speakers followed by roundtable discussions on distinct themes and a panel debate to conclude. The morning event is followed by How-Do's Liverpool Crearive Business Forum in the afternoon.

Topics that will be explored at the event:

Future of research budgets of universities in the austerity era

Graduate retention / supply into labour market

Employer engagement

Developing a collaborative approach, who are the partners that will keep the knowledge economy going for the next five years?

How has national policy changed under the coalition?

Update on how region is creating a quality physical environment for knowledge, science and innovation

Accessing funding from JESSICA, Regional Growth Fund, ERDF

Global positioning – marketing the knowledge economy internationally and nationally

Work Force Development and Higher Level Skills

The event on 30 September at ic2 Liverpool Science Park will offer an insight into understanding and engaging with the knowledge economy.

Programme

08:30 – 09:30 Registration and coffee

Keynote speeches

John Flamson, director of strategic partnerships & development at the University of Liverpool

Alex Solk, associate partner in education design at architects Sheppard Robson

Roundtable discussions on the following topics

Funding

Planning

Design

Policy

Refreshments

Panel discussion featuring

Chloe Young, business development director, Liverpool Science Park

Steve Parry, managing director, Neptune Developments

Alex Solk, Sheppard Robson

John Flamson, University of Liverpool

13:00 Lunch

Book your complimentary place today

Email: dunstan@placenorthwest.co.uk

Venue address in full: ic2 Liverpool Science Park, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF

We look forward to seeing you there,

Paul Unger

Editor

Place North West