Science parks threatened

David Harman, the chairman of the UK Science Park Association, has warned that the role of science parks as centres for business innovation is under threat as more sites are bought by large property companies. Mr Harman argues that property companies are preoccupied with "facilitating savings" rather than nurturing innovation. "This active management of innovation communities is also a key differentiator between our members and those running business and trade parks. Real estate is obviously important, but it is far from the sole driver of our success," he says