In this section

Thames Valley Life Sciences Network (TVLSN)

1 ratings | 0 comments | Printer-friendly page

Stream: Strategic direction and preparation for change

Sub-stream: Engaging the knowledge base within an HEI

Related public funding scheme:

HEIF

Context:

Internal:

Thames Valley Life Sciences Network (TVLSN), founded in 2003, works to promote and stimulate innovation and enterprise in Life Sciences in the Thames Valley.

TVLSN seeks to respond to a demand from regional businesses for improved networking opportunities across the Life Sciences sector and works to support Life Science research and businesses within the Thames Valley.

The Network operates within the Reading Enterprise Hub at the University’s Earley Gate site and is sponsored by The University of Reading, the South East England Development Agency and GreenPark (a development by Prudential).

External:

TVLSN welcomes members from biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, food and nutrition, agricultural and environmental and other life science businesses. Academic scientists, clinicians and support sector professionals working in the Thames Valley are also invited to participate in TVLSN. The Network currently has over 400 members and membership is free.

Objectives:

The Network seeks to:

To provide continuity of business-development services to the sub-regional bioindustry community, allowing maintenance of contacts, and integration of this community into the wider regional programme of activity under the new Sector Consortium from April 2005
Increase Life Science innovation in the Thames Valley
Provide a forum for networking and exchange of ideas
Increase dissemination of information

Process:

TVLSN membership offers its members:

· Regular networking events focused on scientific and business issues

· A forum for the exchange of ideas and building of professional partnerships and relationships

· Access to the Business Clinic which offers high-quality, impartial business guidance

· Promotion of a member’s company via the TVLSN on-line members’ directory

· Access to industrial, academic and research partners, suppliers and service providers

· A range of events and opportunities from the University of Reading

The Business Clinic service is available to individuals, companies, academics, spin-outs and consultants and comprises of a lawyer, accountant, patent attorney, business advisor and experts in project management and regulatory affairs. It works to analyse and clarify business need and signpost the route/s forward, and orovides an excellent sounding board for ideas and business propositions. This service is available free of charge to all TVLSN members and can be re-visited as required. It is held regularly in Reading on an appointment basis.

Critical success factors:

Maintaining the profile of the network,
Recruitment and retention of members
Provision of relevant events and speakers,
Attracting event and corporate sponsors
Regular usage of the Business Clinic by members

Outcomes: key concrete benefits for external beneficiaries:

Regular themed networking events for members. Recent events include ‘Capturing & Securing IP in Collaborations’, ‘International Trade in Bioscience’ and ‘Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Life Sciences’. Events attended by at least 30 organisations.
Provided specialised business development and training for Life Sciences companies and individuals.
10 companies have used the business clinic service since the launch of the Network.

Outcomes: key benefits for HEI:

Over 400 members recruited.

Meetings provide a platform to promote the Life Sciences activities of the University to local businesses via presentations and poster displays.

Supports the Business Development activities of the University by facilitating introductions and contacts.

Key lessons learnt:

Activities of a Network must be focussed on the science and business interests of a scientific audience and be complementary to those offered by neighbouring networks.

Comments

There are no comments on this case study.