Nottingham was designated as a Science City in 2005. The designation recognises the outstanding nature of past achievements and present strengths in science in Nottingham. There are only six such Cities in the UK. The UK Government is giving increasing prominence to the role of Science and Technology in building a competitive economy within the UK. Science Cities are an exciting additional tool for exploring ways in which scientific assets can be exploited for greater local and regional benefits.

At a regional level, emda is now finalising the third Regional Economic Strategy which places far greater emphasis on the importance of innovation as being a strategic driver of the economy. The objective is to develop a dynamic region founded on innovative and knowledge based businesses competing successfully in a global economy. The Regional Science and Industry Council, InnEM is now developing detailed plans to take this agenda forward on behalf of emda. It will aim to co-ordinate public investment to maximise the impact on innovation across the region. Science City can be one of the key planks in delivering this strategy and applying any useful learning across the East Midlands.

For Nottingham, Science City presents a major opportunity to re-position the local economy to build a future with greater emphasis on science and technology activities. As a Core City it is actively involved in the debate about how the transformation of urban areas can be a driver of increased productivity and competitiveness that can enhance regional economic performance and reduce disparities. Maximising the assets that are located outside the Golden Triangle of Oxford, Cambridge and London is a central plank in this work. The Nottingham Development Strategy recognises the need to build a modern knowledge based economy and Science City can be the principal vehicle in achieving this.

Despite the evident success of developing the Nottingham science base, there is much to be done to maximise the potential for local benefits, particularly in converting this into business success. The Nottingham partnership sees Science City as requiring a holistic approach. Science can not thrive and succeed in the economy without there being a strong skills base to support it. Engaging and exciting young people to explore the potential for careers in science will be critically important. Developing effective links between science and education at all levels will be a central thread in Nottingham’s approach.  

Science City is supported by the European Regional Development Fund.

Science City