Report to: Economic Development Committee                                 Report Date: April 7, 2009

 

 

SUBJECT:                          The International Association of Science Parks (IASP) World Conference on Science and Technology Parks. Raleigh NC, June 1-4, 2009.

 

PREPARED BY:               Suzanne McCrimmon, Senior Business Development Officer ext. 2655

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

1.      That the report entitled “The International Association of Science Parks (IASP) World Conference on Science and Technology Parks. Raleigh, NC, June 1-4, 2009” be received, and

 

2.      That the Town be represented at the conference by the Chair of the Economic Development Committee and the Senior Business Development Officer, Economic Development, and

 

3.      And that the cost of attending the conference be expensed from within the approved 2009 Economic Development Travel budget account 610-9985201; and further,

 

4.      That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

 

 

1. Purpose       2. Background         3. Discussion        4. Financial      5. Others (Strategic, Affected Units)       6. Attachment(s)

 

 

PURPOSE:

To authorize business travel by a Council member to accompany Town staff to travel to Raleigh, North Carolina in June 2009 to participate in the “2009 International Association of Science Parks World Conference”, and to advance economic relations with business and community partners in Cary NC. The Science Parks World Conference will provide valuable information regarding strategies for fostering technology-based research & development (R+D) business parks, lessons from industry professionals from across the globe regarding the creation of new business opportunities, and how to add value to mature companies within the Science and Technology sectors. The workshop sessions at the conference will provide Markham with a framework for assessment, planning and development of an R+D park, consistent with the objectives of the Council-approved “Markham 2020” Economic Strategy.   

 

In addition, through our long-standing economic alliance with the Town of Cary North Carolina, and the Cary Chamber of Commerce, an agenda has been agreed-to with Cary Council and with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce to build on our partnership and discuss new opportunities.  

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION:

 

The International Association of Science Parks (IASP) Conference is being held for the first time in the United States, in Raleigh, NC (just minutes from Cary NC) from June 1 – 4, 2009.  The IASP is a worldwide network of science and technology parks. IASP connects science park professionals from across the globe and provides services that drive growth and effectiveness for members and companies. IASP members enhance the competitiveness of companies and entrepreneurs in their cities and regions, and contribute to global technology-led economic development through innovation, entrepreneurship, and the transfer of knowledge and technology.

Regions and places around the world are looking at ways that they can be more prepared for the opportunities and challenges to come. Science and Technology Parks are the perfect habitat for businesses and institutions of the global knowledge economy.

  • Creating new business opportunities and adding value to mature companies
  • Fostering entrepreneurship and incubating new innovative companies
  • Generating knowledge-based jobs
  • Building attractive spaces for the emerging knowledge workers
  • Enhancing the synergy between universities and companies.

The key reasons for the Town of Markham to attend this conference include:

 

1)      To participate in the International Association of Science Parks 2009 Conference, to gain insights into R+D park and Science Park Custer development and life science incubation models.

2)      To re-affirm and advance our alliance with the Town of Cary and the Cary Chamber of Commerce related to our Economic Strategy.

3)      To meet with targeted private companies such as ‘Canadian Expat Network’ to share our Economic Strategy and seek out possible opportunities. 

 

 

Proposed Meetings:

 

June 1st  

Morning                     Depart for Raleigh NC/Cary NC

Afternoon                  Meeting with Cary Chamber of Commerce

Afternoon                  Meeting with Members of Cary Council and staff

5:30pm – 8:30pm        Attend Reception for IASP Conference

 

 

June 2nd

8:00 am                      Conference Registration

9:00 am – 10:30 am    Opening Session

                                 Keynote Speaker – Mr. Witty, CEO, GlaxoSmithKline

10:45 am – 12:15 pm   Plenary Session: Knowledge Ecosystems: The Present and Future of Innovative Economies

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm    Networking Luncheon

                                 Speaker – Anthony Townsend, Research Director, Institute for the Future

2:15 pm – 3:35 pm      Plenary Session: Characteristics of Competitive Places: Changing Models of Economic Dynamism

4:00 pm – 5:30 pm      Speaker – Kenneth Dobson, Director, Community & Economic Devt.

                                 Concurrent Sessions:

                                 Entrepreneurs: Next Generations Partnerships

                                 Beyond Borders: The Geography of Innovation

                                 Going Green: Building a Sustainable Future

Evening                     Meetings with “Canadian Expat Network” executives

 

June 3rd

Breakfast                   Working session with Canadian Trade Consul

 

9:00 am – 10:15 am    Plenary Session – Contributing to Regional Competitiveness & Impact

 

10:45 am – 12:15 pm   Plenary Session – Creating New Partnerships to Enhance Innovation

 

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm    Networking Luncheon

 

2:15 pm – 3:45 pm      Concurrent Sessions:

                                    Universities: Providing More than Basic Research

                                    The Built Environment

                                    Breaking Barriers: Leveraging Non-Traditional Connections

 

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm      ED Town Hall: Tech-Led Development Solutions for Economic Recovery and Resiliency

 

7:30 pm – 10:00 pm    Gala Dinner

 

June 4th

Breakfast                   Working session with Cary business representatives

 

9:00 am – 10:30 am    Conference Concurrent Sessions:

                                 Life Sciences Incubation Models

                                 Attracting and Retaining Talent in the Global Economy

                                 Accessing Tech Resources: Navigating New Technology

 

Afternoon                  Return to Markham

 

 

 

FINANCIAL TEMPLATE

 

The Town’s cost for 2 Markham representatives to participate in the conference including all applicable taxes, the cost of registration, airfare, accommodations, ground transportation, and meals:

 

Conference Registration                                                                    $1,600.00

Airfare and Ground Transportation                                                    $1,100.00

3 nights accommodations and Meals                                                 $1,700.00

Total                                                                                               $4,400.00  Cdn

 

 

ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

The IASP World Conference and the economic alliance with Cary NC are integral parts of the Town’s 10-Year Economic Strategy, “Markham 2020”. The Conference program is focused on all of Markham’s 4 targeted economic sectors, and addresses the objective of building “Talented Markham” and “Infrastructure Markham”.

 

 

RECOMMENDED BY:  

 

 

 

___________________________                  ________________________________

Stephen A. Chait, Ec.D., CMC                        Jim Baird, M.C.I.P., R.P.P.

Director, Economic Development                      Commissioner of Development Services

 

 

ATTACHMENTS:

 

1. IASP Conference information