26 May 2009
Cuckoo in the nest?
We are always being told that UK universities are doing 'world leading' research, but there's not always data to back those claims up.
But the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) says its recent Research Assessment Exercise shows 59% of electrical and electronic engineering research taking place in UK universities is 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent'.
That's good news, particularly if you're an academic looking to attract more research projects to your department. But is there a benefit to UK industry?
One of the continuing comments from smaller UK companies is they find it hard to access some of this work in order to develop the innovative products which our economy needs. It was certainly highlighted in the Electronics Innovation and Growth Team's report in 2004 and is a continuing area of interest for the Electronics Leadership Council.
So how can these small companies – the majority of UK companies – get their hands on this leading research? The ETB suggests increasing research credits – so all R&D work can be set against tax. Fair enough. But it also suggests a mentoring scheme. Why, it asks, shouldn't 'large and successful' UK companies mentor smaller organisations in the arts of growing their business and accessing investment?
It's an interesting concept, but surely this system is in place already through Business Links, Regional Development Agencies and so on. And if these organisations aren't performing, why shouldn't they be swept aside and replaced with something more suited to the task at hand?
However, would larger companies actually want to nurture smaller – potentially competitive – ones? Although the analogy isn't quite right, it brings to mind the image of a cuckoo in the nest.
Author
Graham Pitcher
Supporting Information
Websites
http://www.etechb.co.uk
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