PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
H Rail to benefit from £200m network of technology hubs
igh-value manufacturing in the UK has received a boost thanks to a Government pledge to establish an elite network of Technology and Innovation Centres. At least one of the centres will focus on transport, the Government has said.
Courtesy Dept for Business, Innovation and Skills
The centres, to be established and overseen by the Technology Strategy Board, will work with universities and businesses to help commercialise the results of research in specific technology areas where there are potential multi-billion pound global markets.
Launching the initiative, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “The banking crisis made one thing completely clear: Britain needs a new kind of growth. It is not right, sensible or fair to be dependent solely on the City of London and on financial services.
“We should be at the cutting edge of science, manufacturing and technology. And this innovation should be happening in towns and cities across the UK, creating opportunity for everyone, no matter where they live.
“The programme for technology and innovation centres is a key part of our strategy to rebalance the economy. We have so much potential here in Britain; now is the time to harness it and build the stable, prosperous economy we want.”
Science minister David Willetts added: “A strong manufacturing base is an essential component of a balanced and dynamic economy, where exports and investment drive growth.”
The Technology Strategy Board has outlined plans for six to eight of the world-leading centres in total – with at least one focusing on transport, one on electrical systems, and one on energy efficiency.
It wants business, academic and other interest groups to comment on the proposals and
help shape how the centres will be developed.
Iain Gray, the Technology Strategy Board’s Chief Executive, says that the centres represent a significant long- term investment in the UK economy, adding: “As the UK’s national innovation agency, we are delighted to be taking on responsibility for establishing and overseeing this new initiative, which offers a high degree of synergy with our other activities that drive innovation for the benefit of UK business.”
The Technology Strategy Board received funding of £200m in the Comprehensive Spending Review for the centres.
To view and comment on the proposals, visit:
www.innovateuk.org/ deliveringinnovation/ technology-and-innovation-
centres.ashx
rail technology magazine Dec/Jan 11 | 85
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