Report launched to guide investment in Greater Norwich Knowledge Economy

The Greater Norwich Development Partnership (GNDP) is today launching a report that details the wide range of knowledge economy assets and opportunities in Greater Norwich. The ‘Greater Norwich Technopole’ report showcases work done with local and national partners to understand the local knowledge economy and to explore the key ingredients needed to support it.

The report has been compiled in recognition of the fact that the UK’s future economic growth will be driven by innovation and knowledge intensive businesses. Greater Norwich is well placed to play a part in driving innovation and knowledge based businesses. As the report sets out, the area is home to a range of outstanding assets including:

• The Hethel Engineering Centre which provides facilities for high performance engineering and manufacturing companies
• The Norwich Research Park which has mixed laboratory and office space and  is home to six world leading research institutions
• The Norwich BioIncubator which supports start-up and spin-out science and technology based businesses

The report will inform the future development of Greater Norwich’s knowledge economy. In addition to a full review of the local innovation and enterprise support infrastructure it sets out the key priorities for supporting the knowledge economy and lobbying for future investment.

Daniel Cox, chair of the Greater Norwich Development Partnership, said:

“The Greater Norwich area is recognised as an international centre for research and innovation in plant and microbial science, food, diet and health and environmental science. The report provides a context in which the value of these assets can be built on to stimulate growth so that local people can enjoy the benefits of a dynamic economy whilst enjoying sustainable standards of living.”

ENDS

Contact:

Mark Fuller

mark@linstockcommunications.com

T: 020 7089 2089

Notes to editors:

The Greater Norwich Development Partnership (GNDP) is the body through which Broadland District Council, Norwich City Council, South Norfolk Council, and Norfolk County Council, supported by the Broads Authority and Shaping Norfolk’s Future, manage the delivery of growth to meet the area’s needs.

Greater Norwich is one of the East of England’s seven “engines of growth” and was designated as a new growth point and expected to deliver 35,000 new jobs over the period 2001 to 2021. The area has a diverse economic base in a range of service and manufacturing sectors, particularly the high value-added, knowledge intensive sectors. The ‘Cities Outlook 2010’ report ranks the Norwich urban area in the top ten cities in the UK in terms of employment in knowledge intensive businesses. Key knowledge economy sectors and clusters include:

• Business and Professional Services
• Creative Industries
• Engineering
• Financial Services
• Health and Life Sciences
• Information Technology

The Greater Norwich Technopole report is being launched today (Wednesday) at the the NRP Innovation Centre.