The International Science & Innovation Unit (ISIU) oversees the implementation of the international elements of the DIUS Innovation Nation White Paper and first Annual Innovation Report.
ISIU works with colleagues in Other Government Departments and the Technology Strategy Board to help ensure UK industry will benefit from the Public Private Partnerships that form a key part of the research and innovation component of the European Economic Recovery Plan.
DIUS leads UK policy into the development of the European Institute for Innovation and Technology (EIT). The EIT aims to integrate the knowledge triangle (education, research and innovation) by supporting ‘Knowledge and Innovation Communities’ (KICs) in climate change, sustainable energy and future information and communication society.
The EIT Governing Board launched the call for proposals for its first Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) on Thursday 2 April 2009. The deadline for proposals is 5pm on 27 August 2009.
For more information on the EIT or the call for proposals please contact EIT Project Manager Gary Logan at gary.logan@dius.gsi.gov.uk
UK organisations interested in participating in KICs should contact the Technology Strategy Board
ISIU has the policy lead for Eureka, a European-level intergovernmental agreement supporting transnational near-market collaborative R&D. The Technology Strategy Board provides advice for those interested in Eureka and the related Eurostars programme.
Through the ISIU DIUS represents the UK on the Governing Boards of two Joint Technology Initiatives, Artemis and ENIAC. The Technology Strategy Board provides information to potential applicants to Artemis and ENIAC.
ISIU manages DIUS interests in EU policy topics led by other Government Departments, such as the Lead Markets Initiative (BERR) and the Lisbon Agenda (HMT).
Lead Markets Initiative
The Lead Market Initiative for Europe will foster the emergence of lead markets with high economic and societal value. On the basis of intense stakeholder consultations, six markets have been identified against a set of objective criteria: eHealth, protective textiles, sustainable construction, recycling, bio-based products and renewable energies. For each market, a plan of actions for the next 3-5 years has been formulated combining legislation, public procurement, standardisation and complementary activities (eg transnational collaborative R&D funded under the Framework Programme).
Lisbon Strategy
At the Lisbon summit in March 2000 European Union leaders set out a new strategy, based on a consensus among Member States, to modernize Europe. This became known as the "Lisbon Strategy". The Lisbon Strategy was simplified and relaunched in 2005. In the UK the Treasury leads on the Lisbon Strategy
