UKSPA members from across the UK gather in Scotland

Monday 9th March 2026, 2:12pm

Members and guests of the UK Science Parks Association gathered in Scotland for the UKSPA Spring Conference 2026, hosted 5th & 6th March, at the University of Strathclyde Technology and Innovation Centre, in the Glasgow City Innovation District. 

Engaging panel sessions and networking opportunities allowed the science, research and innovation community to share knowledge and experiences, discuss challenges and explore ways to work together to create a bigger impact.

During the Conference there was also an opportunity for delegates to join tours of the Technology and Innovation Centre to learn more about the research and facilities.



MAKING IMPACT

Over the two days there was best-practice discussion sessions, presentations, case studies, and keynote contributions on range of topics including:

How Science Parks and Innovation Districts can work together to create a bigger impact.

The vital role innovation hubs play in fostering social and community engagement through collaboration, shared knowledge and social inclusion.

Locations at different stages of their development journeys, how plans compare to reality, and how they learn, adapt and change to new challenges and experiences.

Post-conference discussions are also of great importance and networking continued over a drinks reception and Conference Dinner at Sloans in Glasgow city centre after the Day 1 conference programme ended. 



working together

Day 2 commenced with an early UKSPA Scotland Group Breakfast Meeting prior to welcome and review of the previous day's conference. 

Panel discussion then continued with a look at Scotland's Life Sciences Strategy to 2035 and its position and strengths relative to other life sciences clusters, particularly in the UK. 

This was followed by Navigating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) through effective strategies and working with communities to optimise opportunities and challenges on the journey to net zero.



Progress over perfection

Ruth Hall, CEO of UKSPA summarised the key takeaways from the conference:


  • Strengthening the conditions for investment to help innovation projects navigate economic uncertainty, inflation, geopolitical and macro pressures.

  • Faster planning for innovation spaces: more streamlined planning and regulatory processes are needed to accelerate the delivery and redevelopment of areas of innovation. Make it easy to do business with UK Plc.

  • A common set of metrics and language would allow the UK to track innovation performance and impact consistently across regions and sectors.Stronger, more inclusive talent pipelines: expanding STEM and technical skills while improving regional access to talent, will support innovation cluster growth.


  • Improved transport and digital infrastructure would enable stronger collaboration, mobility, and access to talent.

  • Limited grid capacity, slow connections, managing surplus energy and rising energy costs, all impact the development of energy-intensive innovation facilities. “The cheapest unit of energy is the unit you don’t use.”

  • Focused delivery for greater impact: evidence from Scotland and Scandinavian peers shows that deep, targeted investment in priority areas drives stronger innovation outcomes than broad approaches. Integration not isolation.

  • Places and spaces, and innovation infrastructure are critical to national economic growth. World class facilities help secure funding and attract inward investment to UK Plc.



Val Hughes-White, Roslin Innovation Centre Director and UKSPA Scottish Group Chair participated in several of the panel sessions, and commented:

"It has been a fantastic two days in Glasgow City Innovation District, spending time with UKSPA Members and guests. We had many positive and fruitful discussions exploring how our science parks, innovation districts, and technology incubators can accelerate economic resilience, community impact, and sustainable growth. 

"Thank you to all those involved in the organisation of the UKSPA Spring Conference. I look forward to building on the connections made and working with the Scottish Group and other regional groups so together we drive innovation and growth for the sector."

Val Hughes-White, Roslin Innovation Centre Director and UKSPA Scottish Group Chair
Exhibition stand - MIDLOTHIAN SCIENCE ZONE 
PANEL SESSION - social and community engagement
technology Innovation centre tour - robotic lab


UKSPA supports, promotes, represents and encourages the continued growth of Science Parks, Technology Incubators, Innovation Centres and other Innovation locations and Areas of Innovations.

find out more about UKSPA



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