Engineering industries can get help with using information and communication technologies (ICTs) from the ICT Carrier Programme.

Information about European and DTI initiatives to encourage research and development can be found on the Business Link website and from local offices.

Grant for Research and Development is the DTI initiative that provides grants to help individuals and small and medium-sized businesses to research and develop technologically innovative products and processes.

There are initiatives to help companies exploit particular new technologies.
Biotechnology - Biowise and Manufacturing for Biotechnology.
Computer and communications technologies - UK Online for Business and UKISHELP
Lasers - the Association of Industrial Laser Users
Controls in manufacturing - the Advanced Control Technology Transfer Programme.
Sensors - the Sensor website.

New Dimensions for Manufacturing [400 Kb] - A UK Strategy for Nanotechnology: a report on the implications of nanotechnology for industry in the UK. A hard copy of this report can be obtained from the DTI Publications Orderline (Tel: 0870 - 1502 500; Fax number: 0870 1502 333).

To keep up with new technology developments and management best practice from around the world, visit the International Technology Service website.

LINK helps to develop partnerships between UK industry and research organisations by supporting programmes of pre-competitive science and technology research.

Foresight develops visions of the future and brings together the knowledge and expertise of business, science and government to increase national wealth and quality of life.

NMS (the National Measurement System) is the UK's network of laboratories that provides standards of measurement for use in trade, industry, academia and government.

Eureka encourages international collaborations between companies and other organisations.

There are regional schemes to help small businesses, supported by the European Structural Funds. They are normally administered by Government Offices in the English regions and delivered through organisations such as local Business Links (and their equivalents outside England). Find out more from these organisations or from the National Assembly for Wales, the Scottish Executive and the Northern Ireland Executive.

We help companies understand innovation, why it is important and how to manage it. To find out more, visit www.innovation.gov.uk.

R&D tax credits are available for both small and medium-sized companies and for large companies.  They are claimed as part of a company's corporation tax return; see the Inland Revenue's website for details. We are also inviting comments on a draft revised definition of R&D.

The Patent Office helps small firms to protect their business ideas, inventions and logos by offering advice about patents, designs, trademarks and copyright.

You can also find much more information and a range of contacts in our Science and Tech. channel.