estate strategy 2007-2017 - Publication Scheme - University of Stirling

the local/public policy context6. Regional Economic DevelopmentStrategyThe three local authorities (Stirling, Falkirk andClackmannan) have their own Strategic Plans(Making Stirling Work, My Future’s in Falkirk andBuilding Clackmannanshire respectively) and alsoparticipate in the Local (Forth Valley) EconomicForum. The University is represented on the Forumby Professor David Bell (Economics). Its role is toprovide strategic leadership and coordination inthe delivery of economic development activitiesacross Forth Valley. It is an integral componentof the Community Planning framework and aimsto simplify and improve services to business andpeople and achieve collaborative advantage.The Forum has established effective partnershipsbetween the three Councils, Scottish EnterpriseForth Valley (SEFV), Business Gateway, the LochLomond and Trossachs National Park Authority,Careers Scotland and the Raploch UrbanRegeneration Company. Supported by SEFV,the Forum is responsible for the articulation ofthe Regional Economic Development Strategy.The regional strategy and local authority plansare based on the principles embodied in SmartSuccessful Scotland. The Regional EconomicDevelopment Strategy has recently been updatedto take account of changes in local, national andglobal economic circumstances, to ensure strongeralignment with recent policy developments andto reflect the experiences and lessons from theEconomic Forum’s work to date. The revisedstrategy for 2007 to 2012 identifies a vision forForth Valley of a ‘thriving, diverse and sustainableeconomy at the heart of Scotland’. The maincomponents of the vision are as follows:»» providing an attractive location where people,businesses and investors want to live, workand prosper»» to be an area recognised for its high qualityof life, identity and growing importance toScotland’s economic development»» a diverse business base with an increasingrepresentation of high value, high growthbusinesses and industries»» excellent transport, logistics and digitalinfrastructure»» an increasingly skilled and productive workforcewhere more people are making a productivecontribution to the labour market»» sustainable economic growth which doesnot compromise the quality of the localenvironment and reduces its effects onclimate changeThe strategic goal within the vision is to stimulatea dynamic economy of importance to Scotland’soverall economic development. Three key enablingstrategies are identified as underpinning thisaspiration – increasing prosperity, sustainableproductivity and participation - and three strategicthemes – a growing and sustainable economy,a competitive and productive skills base andan attractive, efficient and connected businessenvironment. Activities supported includeencouraging excellence in academic research andcommercialisation, building on the University’scurrent strengths. The Forum has no executivepowers and can only implement the strategy byinfluencing economic development across thepublic sector. The University is identified as akey organisation.7. Stirling University Innovation Park (SUIP)SUIP was established in 1986 and is both a physicalentity within the boundaries of the University’scampus and a partnership between three keyorganisations – Stirling University, Stirling Counciland Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley.The aim of SUIP is to facilitate the conceptionand growth of businesses with a high knowledgecapital by providing high-quality accommodation,services and support. SUIP’s distinctive role withinScottish economic development is its focus ongrowing innovative businesses in specialisedmarket sectors, including Life Sciences, Sportsand sports-related technologies and Environmenttechnologies, sciences and heritage, through acollaborative approach. The key objectives are toprovide safe and supported incubator facilitiesfor small enterprises, facilitating the transfer ofnew and emerging technologies and expertiseto business needs and opportunities and seekingfunding for and delivering national enterpriseprogrammes which support the overall vision.The Park extends to 14 acres (5.6 ha) andcomprises a mixture of existing buildings anddevelopment sites owned by the University.15