The city innovator who helped to transform Birmingham Science Park Aston into a world-renowned technology hub has died.
Dr Derek Harris, the former chief executive and founder of the science park, died at home in Elford, near Lichfield, aged 71.
Dr Harris was a leading light in ensuring Birmingham embraced the rapidly increasing science and technology sector of the economy.
READ MORE: {}
In 1983, Birmingham City Council, Aston University and Lloyds TSB set about creating the first inner city science park in Britain and the third across the country, following Cambridge Science Park and Herriot Watt University Research Park in Edinburgh.
Dr Harris joined the founding team, and with the help of his leadership and guidance, the 14-acre site of derelict land was rapidly transformed into the then Aston Science Park, one of Europe's most foremost science parks.
He remained as chief executive until 2008 after which he took up numerous directorships relating to enterprise, the science park sector and business incubation.
At the time of his retirement, he said: "There is no doubt the park has made a huge contribution to the city's economy and it has also done much to enhance its position on the international stage.
"But the science park's most exciting developments are yet to come and I wish it well for the future."
Most Read
Dr David Hardman, chief of Innovation Birmingham which is housed in the park's Faraday Wharf building, said: "Derek was a founding member of the science park team when the science park movement in the 海角视频 was very much in its infancy.
"He was appointed as chief executive in 1993 when 80 technology companies were based across the portfolio of new purpose-built office buildings.
"Derek led the speculative development of the latter phases including the 80,000 sq ft Priestley Wharf scheme and the 46,000 sq ft Faraday Wharf building which has continued to be our flagship building."
Ged Tinley, head of HR at Innovation Birmingham, added: "Derek was excellent at getting people to buy into his vision. He was a very sociable chief executive but also displayed a sensitive side. He was a real character."
Anne Bromwich, administrative assistant who joined the team in 2001, said: "Derek loved the science park and was very passionate about Birmingham in general.
"He was known by many people, loved to socialise and was an excellent host. He was also a great supporter of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and The Hippodrome.
"Derek was very supportive in a crisis and would always stop and listen whenever someone needed help. He was charismatic, committed, astute, driven and aspirational."
Dr Harris is survived by his wife Vanessa and daughter Emma.