SDU and Odense Municipality in ambitious collaboration
Odense Municipality and the University of Southern Denmark today presented SDU Science & Innovation Park Odense - an ambitious project that will strengthen collaboration between the university's research environment, business and civil society and translate knowledge into concrete solutions that create value for society and the region.
At a press conference on Friday 22 August at SDU, Rector Jens Ringsmose, Mayor Peter Rahbæk Juel, Minister for Business Morten Bødskov and Minister for Higher Education and Science Christina Egelund attended the launch of SDU Science & Innovation Park Odense. The park will be a new powerhouse for knowledge, technology and innovation, creating a strong innovation cluster where research, education/education programme/programme/course of study and business meet.
Rector Jens Ringsmose emphasises that the project marks a strategic boost in the university's efforts to bring the potential of research into play in society:
- SDU Science & Innovation Park Odense gives us a unique framework for strengthening the interaction between research, business and civil society. The park will be a dynamic springboard for the development of new technologies and solutions - a foundation for growth, development and sustainable solutions for the benefit of society as a whole.
Inspiration from international business clusters
The project is being carried out in close collaboration with Odense Municipality, and work is now underway to find the best locations for the park. One of the areas being investigated is a 46-hectare site between SDU and the Science Park, which is currently owned by the Danish Building and Property Agency and could potentially become part of SDU Science & Innovation Park Odense.
Inspired by international innovation clusters such as Kendall Square in Boston and Innovation District Copenhagen, the ambition is to create an environment that attracts companies, entrepreneurs and international talent and builds on Odense's strengths in areas such as robotics and health technology.