Government Report praises Science City York
Posted on 8 December 2003
The Lambert Report uses Science City York as a case study to show how internationally excellent universities can work with local and regional bodies to develop vibrant business clusters.
Science City York is a unique partnership between the City of York Council and the University of York. It was set up in 1998 to foster and harness the economic potential of York's world-class science base. Its objective is to create business growth and high quality employment opportunities for local people, positioning York as an internationally recognised science base.
It focuses on three fast-growing knowledge-based clusters: Bioscience and Healthcare, E-science which includes ICT and Digital industries, and Heritage and Arts technology.
The Lambert Report highlights Science City York's achievements in creating 1,800 new jobs and 30 new businesses in its first four years.
York's high-technology sector, it says, now includes over 240 companies, providing employment for more than 9000 people equivalent to 10 per cent of jobs in the city. Employment growth rates in the three clusters run at about 7 per cent a year.
The Report comments that not all of the UK's research-intensive universities have been able to develop successful business clusters and argues that universities should be actively supported in their efforts to do so.
Anna Rooke, Manager for Science City York said: "York has demonstrated how a world-class university can work successfully with industry to develop successful clusters which generate commercial opportunities. The clusters are the life-blood of Science City York creating an active and supportive business environment to drive the initiative forward."
"I am delighted that Science City York has achieved this national recognition, and is held up as an example of best practice for others."
Notes to editors:
- The Lambert Report will shape policy on how universities and industry work together.
- Science City York receives funding from Yorkshire Forward (Yorkshire & Humber Regional Development Agency).