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First Minister opens Abertay's White Space

Michael Feeley | Friday June 20, 2008



Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond recently opened the University of Abertay Dundee’s unique learning and knowledge-creation environment White Space.

White Space is a £2.5 million development which is at the heart of Abertay University’s computer games technology and computer arts teaching and knowledge-creation activities. It is already a thriving hub of activity, mixing the talents of computer arts and games students, PhD researchers, and lecturers, together with business people, broadcasters and artists.

White Space houses the planning and management team for Dare to be Digital, Abertay’s ground-breaking international computer games design competition for students.

It is also home to the planning group for Creative Scotland, to part of BBC Innovation, and to Lesley Riddoch’s weekly current affairs show on BBC Radio Scotland, as well as Abertay’s own White Space Solutions company, dedicated to supporting local industry with digital business ideas.

The First Minister was accompanied on his visit by Abertay’s Principal, Professor Bernard King, who took Mr Salmond on a tour of the facilities.

Professor King said: “White Space is a learning environment like no other that gives Abertay graduates an extra edge in the global knowledge economy.

“The White Space concept surrounds our students with the buzz of a real working environment allowing them to share real-world knowledge and experience. Within White Space, industry interfaces with students, students interface with researchers, researchers expand horizons for future exploitation.

“Our aim is to produce the graduates and the creative and innovative ideas and intellectual property that Scotland needs to enable it to compete in the global knowledge economy.

“Those who use White Space find it is the ideal environment to support the development of creativity and build confidence while learning about team work, cross-disciplinary co-operation and the significance of research, enterprise and entrepreneurship.”

First Minister Alex Salmond said: “The new White Space Facility will allow the University of Abertay’s reputation to grow, and will be a hub of creative and commercial activity.

“The Scottish Government has high ambitions for developing our creative economy and this facility will help its strength to develop.

“By combining technology, education and innovation under one roof the University of Abertay has created the perfect environment for building Scotland’s reputation in the global knowledge industry.

“The White Space Facility will help us maintain our competitive advantage into the future and expand into new areas of success, attracting some of the most talented people in the field to the University of Abertay.”

John McClelland, Chair of the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council (SFC) said: "The Council's vision is for a more dynamic, entrepreneurial and internationally competitive Scotland and I am delighted that our funding has helped White Space to be part of that vision.

"White Space is a good example of a hub of creative activity. It is not only a place for learning but a place where students and staff are working with local businesses and sharing their knowledge and expertise in computer arts and games technology.

“Knowledge and information have become creators of wealth in economies, and the creativity and innovation activities that are happening in White Space can only be good for Scotland's economy."

During his visit, the First Minister also announced £56,800 to sponsor the latest 'Dare to be Digital' competition during the summer where computer science and computer arts students compete to develop new interactive games.

Mr. Salmond said: "'Dare to be Digital' finalists produce consistently excellent, innovative work and this year's competition will help to keep all eyes on Scotland and the talents attracted to the University of Abertay.

"Already at the forefront of the computer games industry, Scotland is recognised world-wide as a centre of excellence. The Dare to be Digital competition allows us to be a showcase for the best ideas, and proves that investors and buyers who want to have their finger on the pulse will find Scotland is the heart of the talent.

"I hope that today's investment will help students from China and India to come to Scotland as a new injection of creativity. With some of the greatest young minds from across the globe converging in Dundee we can look forward to bringing a fantastic learning environment to life."

Under 'Dare to be Digital' teams of five students, usually a mix of artists, programmers and audio, assemble in a regional hosting centre for 10 weeks to develop a prototype video game, receiving daily support and weekly training sessions from industry specialists.

Prototypes are displayed at a special talent showcasing event in Edinburgh, Dare ProtoPlay, alongside the Edinburgh Interactive Entertainment Festival in August.

Later in the year the winning teams attend the BAFTA Video Games Awards to compete for the coveted "Ones to Watch Award".

Funding for 'Dare to be Digital' is also provided by Scottish Enterprise, BBC, Dundee City Council, NESTA, NCR and Microsoft.

www.abertay.ac.uk

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