Citation
(2010), "The Nanotechnology Mini-Innovation and Growth Team (Mini-IGT) presents “Nanotechnology: a UK Industry View report to UK Government and Industry", Sensor Review, Vol. 30 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2010.08730dab.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
The Nanotechnology Mini-Innovation and Growth Team (Mini-IGT) presents “Nanotechnology: a UK Industry View report to UK Government and Industry
Article Type: News From: Sensor Review, Volume 30, Issue 4
The Nanotechnology Mini-Innovation and Growth Team (Mini-IGT) has presented a report giving its recommendations for the future success of nanotechnology in the UK. It also reviews where the UK sits in comparison with competitors in relation to funding of nanotechnology, and considers a strategic approach to the commercialisation of nanotechnology-based products offering a view of where the UK could be in 2020, assuming the recommendations are implemented.
The report entitled “Nanotechnology: a UK Industry View” details work carried out by the Mini-IGT following Lord Drayson’s launch of the government evidence gathering web site on 7 July 2009 with the announcement that the UK would develop a nanotechnology strategy.
The report has been prepared on behalf of industry to provide a market wide view of what is required to ensure that nanotechnology-based industries are successful in the UK. It has been actively endorsed by a Steering and Review Group comprising 46 leaders from industry, academia, research and technology organisations and trade associations.
Report Recommendations
Recommendations have been listed under four headings: Policy and Regulation, Funding, Skills, and Engagement. Given that nanotechnology innovation and exploitation is business driven, the main recommendation is that the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) should be responsible for leading and coordinating activities across Government to ensure investment provides added value for the UK.
If this recommendation is implemented, funding can then be directed through the various bodies responsible to BIS to drive successful commercialisation of nanotechnology-based products.
It is further recommended that more accessible and commercially focussed funding should be provided for SMEs as well as larger companies engaged in the development of nanotechnology-based products to support innovation in the UK.
The report is available to download from: www.nanoktn.com