UNIVERSITY VIEW
THE benefits that universities bring touch on all aspects of our lives.
The knowledge and understanding that we have of culture, health, environment, and the economy, to name only a few, frequently comes from our universities.
Whilst universities have always had an impact on the economies of their areas, over recent years their role in the development of the economy has escalated significantly.
Of course, business and industry have always tapped into the knowledge and research capabilities of universities.
However, recently we’ve seen a significant step change as businesses, government and the universities each recognize and, perhaps more importantly, prioritise, activities that will have an impact on the welfare of their communities and the wider world.
Only last week, Bangor University opened the Menai Science Park (M-SParc), which is Wales’ first dedicated Science Park.
Situated a few miles from Bangor in the Anglesey Enterprise Zone, it brings together business from the ICT, science and research sectors.
As part of Bangor University, M-SParc bridges the gap between cutting edge academic research, and business application.
The park’s 30-year vision is based on creating highly skilled jobs for local people, developing a knowledge-sharing environment and creating an economic hub in sectors such as low carbon, energy and environment and ICT.
It hosts state-of-the-art laboratory, office and workshop space, and meeting rooms, as well as a café, which is open to the community and is where employees from across the Science Park and students from Bangor University can meet to share knowledge and ideas.
Supported with £20m of Welsh Government and European funding, it shows how well a university can work with the Welsh Government, local councils and the community to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and business growth.
It is encouraging to see how many companies have already moved in to the new facility, which is ahead of the target.
The aim now will be to continue to support companies based at M-SParc, and encourage graduates to see that there are prospects in north Wales, and high-level jobs are being created in the region.
Another factor that is key to the creation of these new high-level jobs is the new North Wales Growth Deal.
Bangor University is a partner in this Growth Deal, working across the region, including our six local councils, North Wales Business Council, and other education institutions, to put together a strong proposal that will drive economic growth across the region.
In opening the Science Park last week, the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, highlighted the vital importance of providing opportunities for people to thrive, wherever they may choose to live.
For too long, Wales has lost its young people to other areas because there are not the high value jobs locally.
High value jobs such as those created through the North Wales Growth Deal will help to make that a reality.
Bangor University has considerable research expertise in Environmental Science, Engineering and Sustainable Energy, and has a strong collaborative network that makes it the ideal catalyst for real growth along the entire north Wales region, and beyond.
As a university, we are determined to ensure that these valuable research and knowledge assets are translated into real community and business benefits. Associating this with a strong Growth Deal for the region will allow many more people in the region to thrive in their own north Wales communities. This is why we #BackTheBid.
■ Professor Jo Rycroft-Malone is Pro Vice-Chancellor of Bangor University