The University has recently rethought its vision for the 'research park' element of its scheme (30 acres) and now plans to use it to promote its international strengths as a social science research institution.  It has developed a project, The International Centre, that it believes could act as a catalyst by showcasing these strengths in the field of Deomocracy, Peace and Human Rights, so attracting other leading businesses and public and third sector organisations onto the remainder of the site.  This project comprises a feasibility study aimed as testing these proposals, their potential economic impact at local, county, sub regional and regional level and prospects for success, as well as quantifying and justifying the need for public sector intervention.

Scope of the Project

The studies planned will look at a number of elements to be drawn into a full market feasibility and impact assessment including:

• Competition Review to verify the uniqueness of the concept.
• Identification of similar business models.
• Assessment of the world's political needs and priorities for new activities in peace, democracy and human rights.
• Identification of products and customers for these demands.
• Matching the University's expertise and departmental plans to identified opportunities.
• Compilation of a first 'hit list' of sponsors, funders and tenants for the International Centre.
• Planning of fund raising events and lobbying strategies.
• Identification of research clusters, businesses and new enterprises that will be attracted.
• Compilation of a market review study.
• Development of a design concept for the International Centre.
• Economic Impact Assessment.
• Preparation of a business case addressing requirements of East of England Development Agency.

Aim of the Project

These studies will clarify for the benefit of all the prospective funding bodies the potential economic impact of the Knowledge Gateway development, identify whether the International Centre is the best means by which to promote it to secure the top level companies needed to maxmise the economic benefits of the opportunity to the locality/sub-region/nation and establish at the cost to the public sector.

Outcomes of the Project

The main outcomes from these studies will be a report which represents a well founded business case for public sector support for the implementation of this project.

Status

Funding for 2009/10 £50,000

IDP Package: East Colchester

Status as at 30 September 2009:

• Steering Group Meeting held
• Brief to consultants for market demand study
• List of consultants drawn up.

Status as at 31 December 2009:

• Steering Group meeting held

 Status as at 31 March 2010:

• Consultants appointed.
• Research now being undertaken.

Status as at 30 June 2010:

• Draft market demand study presented to steering group and further work requested.
• Final report due to be presented on 15 July 2010.

Status as at 30 September 2010:

• The report was reviewed by the Knowledge Gateway Stakeholders Group and confirmed as the brief being fulfilled.
• The University has reviewed both the brief and the report and also confirmed the brief has been fulfilled.