Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fable range of computer games and was eventually acquired by Microsoft in order
to build content for its Xbox games console. The founder left Microsoft in 2012 to
found a new computer games company and returned to the Surrey Technology
Centre to develop this new business 22 cans which is a games company that is to
focus on the new mobile platform. The development of these companies and the
games related spin-out, Criterion Software, from Canon Research have created a
foundation of a computer games (media cluster) which now has extended to include
games testing companies, media related legal services and games related recruit-
ment companies.
There are many other examples of companies that have achieved significant
growth. The majority of these have been involved in new commercialising tech-
nologies such as stem cells, bio-fuels, internet protocol security, ICT for security
systems, building Satellites, as well as some patents for the health care sector.
To help European based industry maintain its competitive edge through fos-
tering innovation—success factors:
Physical infrastructure and support package: the factors that have influenced the
success of the Park as a centre for economic development not only relate to the
physical infrastructure but also to the support service package and management
philosophy of the Park.
The market led approach of providing appropriate accommodation and grow-on
space for start up companies has provided a valuable opportunity to these com-
panies to become established. The range includes pre and full incubation as well as
space in which to grow companies. The approach of using short-term contracts has
helped companies that are fast growing to make the necessary moves to adjust
their space to their needs.
The presence of the Surrey Technology Centre business incubators since 1986
and more recently since 2004 the presence of the SET Squared pre-incubator have
supported the development of a number of technology entrepreneurs which
together have helped to raise the levels of competence in technology entrepre-
neurship. The employment of an entrepreneur in residence and the operation of an
Angel Finance Club are both valuable contributors to the growth of more technical
companies.
The support of companies in emerging technologies and promoting these has
helped to create clusters of companies involved in new innovative fields. An
example is the emergence in Guildford of a cluster of computer games companies
that are among the world's leaders.
The companies on the Park have been surveyed and there is a high level of
awareness of the capabilities of the University of Surrey and the availability of
technology services to companies when required.
Skills: the quality of the work force on which the companies on the Park can draw
that has been established because of the presence of the University of Surrey in
Guildford for over 40 years has helped to build a well educated community that
are available for recruitment by companies and enable to employ staff that are
capable of absorbing and commercialising new ideas.
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