Harnessing the potential of campus-based science and innovation

From Sydney to Tsinchu, Adlershof to Eindhoven, and Here East to Science Village,  world-leading research and innovation campuses are home to diverse communities of start-ups, research institutes, innovation giants and national scientific facilities. They are a crucial , yet often unsung, part of successful innovation ecosystems. They are the places where start ups begin, where series A, B and C funding is secured, where advanced manufacturers design and make astonishing products.

They are linked to, but distinct from, local universities and key parts of their local community. They are home to thousands of scientists, engineers and innovators. But what challenges are these campuses facing and how should they respond to deliver the biggest possible economic, scientific, and societal benefits?

The Pioneer Campus 2040 Project pools the collective intelligence of eight world-leading campuses to find, despite differences in local context, common themes that will influence our future success. The report explores critical success factors, common challenges and potential futures of eight leading science and innovation campuses around the world.

The Pioneer Campuses

  • Germany

    Adlershof Science and Technology Park

  • Australia

    ANSTO Innovation Precinct

  • France

    GIANT Innovation Campus

  • UK

    Harwell Science and Innovation Campus

  • UK

    Here East

  • Taiwan

    Hsinchu Science Park

  • Sweden

    Lund Science Village

Download summary report

Key findings

The findings suggest campuses who actively tackle the questions raised by this report, who think of clusters at multiple levels, who develop win-win partnerships with local government and local communities, and who invest in placemaking as much as facility building will be the next generation of world-leaders.

The report was launched in April 2023 at a symposium attended by leading campuses from around the world.

The project team would like to thank the campuses that took part, the SQW team and the support of the Science and Technology Facilities Council.

The report summary

Download here

The full report by economic consultancy SQW

Download here