Lisa Perkins (DFI)

Lisa is director of Adastral Park and Research Realisation for BT's Technology division.

She is building a rich and diverse technology ecosystem at Adastral Park which maximises the opportunities to find the best innovative solutions to real business problems. She is accountable for showcasing the world class innovation and research at the Park, collaborating with customers to ensure we find relevant solutions to their needs.

Lisa leads on down-streaming innovation and research to derive value for the business and leads Innovation Martlesham a thriving tech cluster of 150+ companies.

She manages key partnerships with world leading universities in conjunction with the research programmes to encourage and develop premier class expertise. She actively promotes and drives an education enrichment programme, working with schools to encourage children and teachers to develop a love of technology, thus stimulating skills for the industry.

Lisa has direct leadership of research into both home entertainment and future industry / smart technologies.

As well as being chair of Tech East and co-chair of the University of Suffolk DigiTech Centre, Lisa is a board member of UEA’s Productivity East and the Innovation board for New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, vice chair of East Suffolk Council Community Partnership Board and a trustee for Lapwing Education. She is also a Visiting Professor at the University of Suffolk.