City Council looking to attract science and technology organisations into the city

Exeter City Council wants to create high quality employment in Exeter and is looking at drawing up a five-year Knowledge Economy Strategy.

Cllr Rosie Denham, Lead Councillor for Economy and Tourism, said: "Developing a knowledge-based economy in Exeter is one of the top priorities for the city.

"It's important that we have a strategy - a jointly agreed plan that sets a clear direction for Exeter and achievable objectives for the benefit of the city.

"The current, ongoing economic difficulties and uncertain future facing different sectors in the city mean that Exeter has to embrace the need for managed change in its economy and we have to deliver the infrastructure needed to support economic growth."

A report going to the Council's Scrutiny Economy Committee on 7 March calls for the investment of £20,000 to develop a strategy to grow the city's knowledge economy further, attracting investment and renowned expertise and creating employment opportunities for local people.

The knowledge economy is based around activities which create value from exploiting knowledge and technology rather than physical assets and traditional employment. In return, knowledge-based organisations tend to create high value, well-paid jobs.

"Creating these sort of employment opportunities is key to the success of the city, moving Exeter forward and beyond the recession," said Cllr Denham.

The Strategy would look to build on Exeter's position as a principal economic driver, existing and successful organisations like the Met Office and the Innovation Centre, and the forthcoming Science Park and Skypark which are currently taking shape on the eastern side of the city.

The City Council is also asking members of Scrutiny Economy to back a proposal to produce a promotional video for its website.

The website www.exeter.gov.uk currently attracts around 18,500 page views a month, with the business pages the main point of contact for businesses seeking information about business support available, the commercial property register and other business related issues.

"Our website acts as a key mechanism for promoting investment in the city but we can't afford to stand still in a rapidly changing world. Media is changing all the time and the use of promotional videos on websites is something that our partners, other authorities and potential investors are actively turning to," said Cllr Denham.