Regional Business Information for the West Midlands

Dr David J Hardman MBE

David is Chief Executive Officer of Birmingham Science Park Aston (BSPA). Since arriving in late 2008 he has led the rebranding of the park and developed and led the implementation of a new strategy that builds on the park's pedigree. Key to the strategy is integrating BSPA's activities into Birmingham's economic development plans, generating a new business support infrastructure directed at the low carbon economy covering innovation in ICT and clean technologies products and services.

As a PhD microbiologist, his research interests were directed towards the application of microbes in what is now called clean technology and as part of this work he co-founded a start-up biotech venture based on the application of biocatalysts to the paper industry. This experience developed into a wider interest in the translation of science into good and applicable technologies and creating appropriate partnerships and infrastructures to promote the development of knowledge-based businesses across a range of sectors. David spent 10 years based in Cambridge leading the commercial development of the Babraham Research Campus focused on support for healthcare and biotech translation and bio-ventures. David awarded an MBE for services to science in 2009. In Birmingham the focus is on ICT, Digital media and clean technologies, reflecting the strengths of the city region and in embracing the opportunities offered by the latest ICT collaboration platforms he has been driving the concept of the "science park without walls" bring in global support to drive Birmingham's knowledge economy.