The 2021 Business of Science Conference (BoSC21), held at Millennium Point, Birmingham on Thursday 7th October 2021, explored and celebrated the “Commercialisation of Science”. The Conference explored the key topics of “Science, Innovation and Skills” and how they provide both commercial and societal benefit.
BoSC21 was opened by Andy Street, the recently re-elected Mayor of the West Midlands, followed by several keynote presentations from organisations who can clearly demonstrate the benefits that their involvement in Science & Innovation have realised. These include BASF, InnovateUK and Thomas Swan Ltd, along with William Blythe Ltd, Domino UK Ltd, IVE, 2M, Graphene @ Manchester, Nexus, the Caburn Group, and the University of Salford.
The BEIS-sponsored Science and Innovation Audit for the West Midlands acknowledges it to be the single largest economic area in England outside of London, and home to some of the country’s leading science and innovation assets. Despite the many strengths of the West Midlands economy, productivity performance is persistently below the national average and there is a need to drive this upwards through the successful commercialisation of new products and services developed within the strong research landscape of Universities, Technology Parks and advanced manufacturing and engineering expertise.
Ahead of the breakout sessions, guests heard from Rhys Morgan, Director of Engineering and Education at the Royal Academy of Engineering about The Hamilton Commission report. Among the morning breakout sessions was a panel debate on STEM Skills facilitated by Dr Geoff Mackey – BASF, with:
- Chris Strong, Director for Skills & Employability – IVE
- Dimitra Christakou – WISE
- Liran Maller – 2M
- Dr Lopa Patel – Diversity UK
- Yvonne Baker – STEMLearning
During the afternoon sessions, the Conference heard a keynote presentation about “Innovation and Societal Benefit”. This has been a key aspect of our lives over the last 15-18 months and the rapid development of the Covid vaccines has clearly demonstrated the “Commercialisation of Science” in a way that none of us could have anticipated only two years ago.
The future of Science and Innovation was also explored through a stand-alone careers session for the 40-50 students attending the Conference, giving them the chance to attend a full ‘business’ conference, interact with the other 200+ delegates and help them to identify STEM careers which may appeal to them in the future.
As part of an “Advisory Session”, AGBI and HGF provided delegates with practical advice and support regarding IP protection, the use of R&D tax credits and access to other Innovation Finance along with advice about other legal matters to consider when developing and taking a product or service to the marketplace.
The event closed with the presentation of the Innovation Awards in the three categories of Primary, Secondary and 18+ to those entries that best described their exciting “Science Dream” and how they would like science to change what and how we do things.
Steve Bennett, Founder of the Business of Science Conference and the associated events commented: “I am delighted to be bringing the event to Birmingham after the postponements of the last 18 months and to add the strengths and opportunities of the West Midlands to the existing BoS community which has been developed across the Northwest and further afield. Collaboration and Partnership is essential to the success of the Commercialisation of Science and within this increasingly important national agenda.”
About The Business of Science Conference
Science and the commercialisation of science continue to be fundamental to the economic growth of the UK and its economy. Following previous successful years in Manchester (2016 & 2017), Liverpool (2018) and Leeds (2019), the Business of Science conference moved to Birmingham in 2021 and will be moving to Edinburgh in 2022. For further information, visit https://businessofscience.co.uk/