A centre of technical innovation
Adastral Park has grown to become BT�s main research and development centre and one of the most important locations for communications technology in the world.
Once home to the Royal Flying Corps and the development centre for aircraft that took part in the Battle of Britain, Martlesham Heath has long been linked to innovation.
So it was appropriate that BT relocated its main research centre from Dollis Hill in London to Martlesham in 1969. The site, now called Adastral Park, has grown to become BT�s main research and development (R&D) centre and one of the most important locations for communications technology in the world.
Pioneering R&D is at the heart of BT�s business. In 2008, we spent �1.25 billion, the third highest spend of any company. This is an investment in our future as it helps us to reduce costs, develop new products and improve customer service.
Around 4,000 people work at Adastral Park for BT and other companies located there. Universities such as MIT/Cambridge and Essex also have a presence on-site. The result is that Adastral Park has the feel of a university campus where highly skilled employees, researchers and academics meet, mix and work together.
This is appropriate as Dr Ivan Boyd, Head of Research Operations, BT Group, explains: �We�ve deliberately set out to create a very open community that allows the best brains from different organisations from all over the world to meet and this helps ideas to spark.
�The work we do here covers everything from advanced business software for predicting faults on networks before they happen, to developing energy saving systems for the homes of the future.
�But it�s not just the responsibility of the people at Adastral Park to be innovative, a culture of innovation exists right across BT. For example, our New Ideas Scheme allows any employee to suggest an idea that might improve products or customer experience or help us work more effectively.�
Since the scheme�s launch, a number of suggestions from employees have either generated income, cut costs or improved the working environment at BT. Ideas include a website that provides a simple way to identify and reuse stopped lines and a system that reduces the failure of critical tasks.
To ensure that Adastral Park continues to lead communications technology and innovation, BT has unveiled a vision for its future. This will create a sustainable environment that supports a regenerated R&D facility and a new residential community of up to 2,000 homes, including additional educational and social facilities.
Graham Murchie, Strategy Director, Adastral Park Development, says, �We�ve been here for 40 years and a significant number of the buildings were constructed in the 1970s and 1980s. While the park is still a world-class R&D facility, it would be short-sighted if we did not put a plan in place now that ensured Adastral Park retained and built on this status for many years to come.�
Adastral Park is already an integral and important part of the regional economy, contributing �850 million annually. The development plans for the site will ensure that this remains the case long into the future. Graham explains, �Our plans include the creation of more than 2,000 information communications technology (ICT) related jobs over the next 10 years. Also, InnovationMartlesham, our partnership with the East of England Development Agency, provides a home and facilities for start-up companies. In the past year alone, 11 companies have moved onto the site to develop their businesses alongside BT.
�But it�s not only about creating a sustainable supply of jobs. We will continue to create and encourage the scientists of the future by bringing school children to the park to learn about ICT and by expanding the university presence here. We don�t want young people moving away to study, we want them to develop ICT skills here � the skills that businesses need now and will need in future.�
Predicting the future
A small group of people at Adastral Park spend their time mapping the future. Jonathan Mitchener, one of BT�s Futurologists, explains, �My job is to look ahead and see how technology will develop in the future. I work with many of BT�s biggest customers to help them see what�s coming. For example, I am currently helping people in the health sector to understand how technology can assist with patient care taking into account future characteristics and population trends. I also work with companies to identify the next disruptive technologies � technology such as the internet which has turned the business world on its head. Our customers really value this insight as it helps them to plan more effectively.�
�I work in a team of four and combine scientific disciplines such as nanotechnology and biotechnology with demographic data and scenario planning to develop my research.
�I need to be very open minded and interested in everything. I also spend a lot of time meeting people to make sure I am constantly building my knowledge and sharing insights with others.
�One area that I�m really excited about is the potential of the virtual world. It�s still early days, but big companies are already experimenting with it for things like trialing new products and for training their staff. In future, I believe most companies will operate in both the real and virtual worlds.�
From pioneering work in optical technologies, digital, switching through to work in advanced software techniques and protocols Adastral Park become recognised as one of the leading centres of technical innovation in the communication world.