NetPark's exceptional links with the region's universities will be central to its evolution and represent an opportunity to create an environment for a true "meeting of minds".

It will seek to harness the world-class strengths of the universities of Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside in a central location and will provide fast-track access to their world-class research and teaching facilities.

It is also collaborating with the region's universities in establishing a Science Enterprise Centre, focusing on the five key areas of advanced research into electronics, engineering, the environment, life sciences and biotech and novel materials.

The centre aims to foster the commercial exploitation of science and technology from regional research facilities, and to actively promote university-led science and engineering-based technology transfer.

More than two million people live within a 30-mile radius of the site, including a high-quality workforce of nearly a million people.

International giants such as Sanyo, Black & Decker, Nissan and Samsung have all substantially increased their investment and presence in the region due to the performance, adaptability and potential of this workforce.

Other world leaders with a presence in the region include Glaxo, Wellcome, Orange, British Telecom and British Airways.

Home-grown technology companies are also making an increasingly significant contribution to the region's economic future and diverse industrial profile.

The principal NetPark development partners are Durham County Council, Sedgefield Borough Council, the University of Durham, One NorthEast, Sedgefield Borough Business Service and County Durham Development Company.

They can also call on the support and assistance of a number of Government and independent agencies to assist incoming or developing businesses.

NetPark acknowledges that the future of business will be driven by knowledge-based industries, a view central to the North-East's regional economic strategy, Unlocking Our Potential, and the Government's mission to foster a national economy more able to compete on the global stage.

The NetPark project will allow companies to respond to the rapid pace of change in a competitive business world which demands investment in the research and development of ICT and advanced science-based technologies.

NetPark will create an atmosphere which allows businesses to develop innovation and excellence, both through skills of their own teams and in collaboration with the experts based at the region's existing companies, universities and colleges.

The message is simple: if you or your company is considering a new location for developing a science or technology-based business, then NetPark offers a singular opportunity to become part of the home for future technologies