Science Park Without Walls (SPWW)

‘Science Park Without Walls’ (SPWW) is an EU-funded project which is supported under the Innovations & Environment Regions of Europe Sharing Solutions (INNTERREG-IVC). Its duration is for 24 month (May 2011 to April 2013).

The project aims to create a network of regions that focuses on developing and engaging in a global virtual business support system. This system will enable fast access to new international finance, reduced time to market, retention and development of entrepreneurs and creation of new business opportunities.

The SPWW concept is based around a tele-conferencing facility with sophisticated network connections that gives access to global markets. Such a facility is being developed at Birmingham Science Park Aston in association with a Digital provider that through established partnerships will provide the basis for global connectivity.

City-based hubs for these facilities will be key components of this model. Hub locations with quality and well developed web infrastructure will determines the strength of the digital communities and be a future driver of business growth.

Who is involved:

4 partner regions which have several interesting initiatives to share and build on including: Saxony Anhalt (Germany);
Vastra Gotaland (Sweden) – 2 Partners
Lower Silesia (Poland) – 2 Partners
West Midlands UK. The lead Partner is Birmingham City Council representing the West Midlands.

All involved partners will be able to learn about the system created in the West Midlands, explore its advantages and possibilities of adopting its solutions in their respective regions. The

Learning will be achieved during series of dedicated thematic workshops, training and study visits involving regional/public staff in order to maximise transfer of knowledge and skills.

Quick Point model

This is being developed by our Partner in Vastra Gotaland as feasibility study funded through SPWW project. It refers to the services/business advice that will be on hand to entrepreneurs through the use of the tele-conferencing facility. This will consist of a bank of experts (e.g. legal; finance, I.P., technical). Users of the facility could connect to this advice source is different geographical locations across Europe to get a local perspective, helping understanding of the local market. Using the facility, connection to these points of information would be rapid.

For further information, please contact Suresh Patel on 0121 303 3091 or via email at: suresh.patel@birmingham.gov.uk