Science Park CEO appointed President of International Advisory Council

Press release
10th November 2009

Jane Davies, Chief Executive of Manchester Science Parks (msp), has been appointed first President of the International Association of Science Parks (IASP) Advisory Council.

The largest network of science and technology parks in the world, IASP is a global organisation, actively working to connect industry professionals and provide services that drive the development of its member parks.

The IASP Advisory Council acts as a consultative body to the IASP Board of Directors, offering information and advice as well as developing IASP’s wealth of knowledge on how to design, create, launch, promote and manage science and technology parks. The Presidency of the Council is a newly created position, aimed at strengthening the organisation’s work.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Davies said it was an honour to have been selected for the post as well as a recognition of msp and Manchester’s renown within the international innovation community.

“I look forward to working with IASP to strengthen the Association’s knowledge leadership role, and to encourage the development of successful science and technology parks across the world,” she stated.

President of IASP, Joan Bellavista, said the Association was delighted Ms Davies had accepted the key role of first President of the Advisory Council, which he described as a “think-thank devoted to the IASP knowledge leadership strategy.”

He stated: “Jane Davis has played a very significant role within IASP in different periods, as a member of the International Board and as European Division President.

“With her skills and experience I am sure she will do an excellent job as the first Advisory Council President and we look forward to working with her.”

Ms Davies will continue her role as CEO of Manchester Science Parks (msp) and, as President of the Advisory Council, will also have a seat on the IASP International Board as a Consulting Director.

The appointment was announced on Monday afternoon, November 9th, during a tree planting ceremony at Manchester Science Park to mark msp’s 25th Anniversary. The ceremony saw five silver maple trees planted on the science park along Lloyd Street North, at the side of msp’s Skelton House.

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Editor’s Notes

About the post of President of the IASP Advisory Council:
Ms Davies’ appointment to the newly created post of President of the IASP (International Association of Science Parks) Advisory Council is indicative of the wishes of the IASP Executive Board to have someone in the post with proven experience as a science park practitioner as well as an ability to analyze and theorize the many topics relevant to the industry. The Advisory Council’s ultimate goal is to assist the governing bodies of the IASP to maintain and increase its knowledge base. The Council and its President will offer advice to the International Board of Directors and the IASP Director General on overall strategic issues, reviewing documents and ideas submitted by the Board or the Director General and suggesting new themes for discussion, new services and new strategies.

For more information on IASP please visit www.iasp.ws

About Jane Davies:
Jane Davies graduated with an MA in Chemistry from St Anne’s College, Oxford and joined BP Chemicals as a PVC Plant Chemist. She spent 18 years with BP, holding a range of positions including International Oil Trader in New York and Regional Manager of BP’s international aviation business, Air BP. Jane was appointed Chief Executive of Manchester Science Parks (msp) in 2000 and a Director of the company in 2001. From 2007 to 2009 she also held the post of Chairman of the UK Science Park Association (UKSPA) and was President of the European Division of the International Association of Science Parks (IASP) from 2006 to 2008. Active in Manchester’s business and academic community, Jane is a member of the board of the Commission for the New Economy, Manchester’s economic development agency, and chairs its Innovation Sub-group.

Manchester Science Parks’ website is www.manchesterscienceparks.co.uk

For more information on the appointment or to arrange an interview with Jane Davies, msp CEO, please email Shirley Kernan, Communications Executive, msp or call on 0161 232 4595.