Hauser Report calls for commitment to sustained funding of Innovation Centres
1 min read
The UK's approach to exploiting research is sub critical, follows no national strategy and pays insufficient attention to business requirements and the location of relevant expertise. This is one of the conclusions drawn by Dr Hermann Hauser in a report published today. The report, entitled The Current and Future Role of Technology Innovation Centres in the UK, calls for the Government to commit itself to establishing and providing sustained funding for a network of elite business focused TICs in areas where the UK has the potential to benefit.
In association with the Technology Strategy Board, the Government needs to set out a 10 year vision, with a strategy for TIC establishment, funding and coordination, as well as their engagement with the UK's science and innovation system.
According to Dr Hauser, pictured, funding for each TIC should be 'of the order of £5 to £10million per annum and this should be sustained for 10 years.
Welcoming the report, Lord Mandelson, said: "Too often in this country we have been brilliant at research and let others walk away with the commercial benefits of development. If we are to develop new industrial capabilities in Britain, we have to get more D out of our R&D.
"Centres can play a vital role in bridging the gap between research and the market, strengthening our national capabilities in innovation.
"I am now determined that the UK builds a capability for the long term, through a more strategic and sustained approach to investing in these centres. Dr Hauser is right that these centres need long term, predictable funding and I am committed to making that happen. I want to understand the UK's strengths, weaknesses and where there are gaps we need to invest in."
