The UK government has invited organisations to register their interest in forming a technology and innovation centre focused on the area of high value manufacturing. The centre will be the first of an elite national network of centres, to be established and overseen by the Technology Strategy Board, that will work in partnership with universities and businesses to help commercialise the results of research in specific technology areas where there are potential multi-billion pound global markets.
The Universities and Science Minister, David Willetts, said, “I am pleased that the first of these centres will be focused on high-value manufacturing as a strong manufacturing base is an essential component of a balanced and dynamic economy, where exports and investment drive growth.
“Technology innovation centres will work in partnership with universities and businesses. They will bridge an important gap giving innovative firms access to facilities and technical expertise, enabling them to undertake essential development work, which can often be beyond the capability of individual businesses.”