Business Engagement Work packager leader, Paul Sant, recently took part in an expert panel on developing skills and local knowledge economies at the Westminster Social Policy Forum.
The panel, chaired by MP Catherine West on 14th January 2016, included viewpoints from entrepreneurs, academics and policy makers. The key aim of the forum held at the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Headquarters in London, was to debate how they could help address the skills and knowledge economy challenges and opportunities.
The panel discussed how challenges around skills and the development of regional economies could be overcome, and Paul demonstrated how the MK:Smart project was making an impact in terms of education, behavioural change and developing new business opportunities.
The key aspects of the project, including the role of the MK Data Hub and the work being undertaken with local SMEs were explained, as well as the impact the project was having on the citizens of Milton Keynes. This was well received and the overview prompted a lively discussion of related issues.
You can find further information on the forum here: http://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk