This snapshot, taken on 01/07/2007, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.
 
 02 July 2007
Confident Consumers - A Fair Deal creating Prosperity & Success for All
 
You are here:
 

Innovation Platforms

   
Network Security Intelligent Transport Systems and Services


An Integral part of The Government's Technology Strategy, the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) was established at the end of 2004 to ensure the technology and innovation priorities for the UK reflected business needs and had a clear market focus leading to wealth creation.  Increasing investment by business in R&D to remain competitive is a key part of the work of the TSB and it considers one of the most effective ways to increase investment is through harnessing the power of Government procurement budgets.  The Government’s overall annual spend on procurement is in the region of £125 billion.  By using that budget more effectively, it should be possible to drive business investment in R&D. 

Background

To support this approach, the TSB introduced the concept of Innovation Platforms. Innovation Platforms (IP’s) are a new way of working for Government and business and are seen as an opportunity to position business and government closer together to generate more innovative solutions to major policy challenges.  They were introduced in the Technology Strategy Board’s first Annual Report in November 2005 and are designed to:

  • address a major policy and societal challenge,
  • bring together Government stakeholders and funders, and
  • engage with business and the research community to identify appropriate action.

The Technology Strategy Board has been sufficiently encouraged by the enthusiastic response of other partners, to proceed in the two pilot areas:  Network Security and  Intelligent Transport Systems and Services and has earmarked an initial £10 million to each Platform to kick-start activities.

Concept

By bringing together stakeholders focused on a societal challenge, an Innovation Platform will enable the integration of a range of technologies and better coordination of policy and procurement, resulting in a step-change in UK performance, in the quality of public services and the ability of UK businesses to provide solutions.

They should therefore create a “win-win” situation with:

  • government getting more innovative solutions at reduced risk, and
  • UK business well positioned for global competitive procurement opportunities, for which there are real customers in a potentially large global market.

The key features of an Innovation Platform are that it:

  • Engages with business and the research community
  • Brings together government stakeholders/funders
  • Identifies the appropriate levers to use
  • Seeks to align funding streams from separate sources
  • Links research to market through procurement opportunities

© Crown copyright 2007