Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcome the new Technology Strategy Board Technology and Innovation Centres prospectus which was today (6 January) endorsed by the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Secretary of State for Business Dr Vince Cable and Universities and Science Minister David Willetts.
RCUK has a long history of fostering knowledge exchange between the research base and user communities because we believe this is an effective way to increase the impact of research. We welcome this addition to the innovation landscape and anticipate that Technology Innovation Centres will play an important role in realising impact from investments made by RCUK in excellent research and postgraduate training.
RCUK believe the Technology Strategy Board is well placed to coordinate a national strategy for Technology Innovations Centres. We will continue to work with them to support the development of partnerships between the UK research base, business and industry to underpin innovative research, further catalysing the relationships leading to economic growth.
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Further information
Contact:
Jane Wakefield
RCUK Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592
Notes to editors
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils. We invest annually around £3 billion in research. Our focus is on excellence with impact. We nurture the highest quality research, as judged by international peer review providing the UK with a competitive advantage. Global research requires we sustain a diversity of funding approaches, fostering international collaborations, and providing access to the best facilities and infrastructure, and locating skilled researchers in stimulating environments. Our research achieves impact – the demonstrable contribution to society and the economy made by knowledge and skilled people. To deliver impact, researchers and businesses need to engage and collaborate with the public, business, government and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk
The seven UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).