Technology Strategy Board
Mark Glover12th January 2011
The role of postgraduate research across modern universities in stimulating technology enabled innovation
David GoldingHead of StrategyTechnology Strategy Board
What is the Technology Strategy Board?
UK national innovation agency set up to invest in business innovation
We work across business, universities and government
We mostly come from business -150 people with over 2,000 years of business experience
We were responsible for investing c. £350m a year
Concept to CommercialisationA strategy for business innovation, 2011-2015
Our goal is to accelerate economic growth by stimulating and supporting business-led innovation
Our 5 Strategic Focus Areas
• Accelerating the journey - concept to commercialisation• Understanding the non-linear journey and how best to support
• Connecting the innovation landscape• Developing the strategic relationships we need in UK, EU & Globally
• Turning Government action into business opportunity• Where Government procures, regulates, standardises...
• Investing in theme areas based on global potential • Building a synergistic programme based on data driven choices
• Continuously improving Organisational capability• Impact assessment, metrics, measures, efficiency, effectiveness..
Investing in priority areas based on potential
The ToolsetRange of Tools with different objectives / characteristics
Collaborative R&DSmart
Launchpad
Innovation Vouchers
• To facilitate the flow of knowledge between the knowledge base and business and between businesses• To create new R&D partnerships• To support and accelerate the formation of new value and supply chains• To reduce businesses financial and technical risk through funding and collaboration
Collaborative R&D
> 80 HEIs involved in projects > 70% projects include at least one HEI, tend to be larger projects c. 20% companies are university spin-/outs c. 30% of investment to HEIs
• Involve >400 departments across 122 UK HEIs and FE Colleges• 63% of associates end up working for the business
Knowledge Transfer PartnershipsHelping businesses to obtain the knowledge needed to improve existing or develop new, products, processes and services.
Facilitating the transfer of knowledge between the knowledge base and business through innovation projects undertaken by high calibre, recently qualified, people under the joint supervision of personnel from the business and the knowledge base
Location of Business Partner
Scotland 10%
Northern Ireland 5%
Wales 7%11%
South East
London
East
East Midlands
Yorkshire & The Humber
North East
North West
West Midlands
South West
March 2010
Total 1025
525%
10310%
757%
79578%
Number of Partnerships
England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales9%
14%
5%
7%
5%
10%9%
8%
Data from 2010/11 Annual Report
• High Value Manufacturing• Cell Therapy• Offshore Renewable Energy• Satellite Applications
• Connected Digital Economy• Future cities• Transport systems
Closing the gapbetween concept and commercialisation
a £200m investment in the future of the UK economy - for the long term
Innovation and Knowledge Centres (IKCs)• To accelerate commercialisation of world-class science
and emerging technologies• Co-funded with the Research Councils
– Core capabilities in science and technology– Flexible capabilities in companion and enabling
technologies– Market analysis and market development capabilities– Facilities and equipment– Ability to dynamically respond to business need– Professional management of knowledge
Aerospace, Aviation & Defence HealthTech and MedicinesBiosciences Industrial MathematicsChemistry Innovation Information & Communication
TechnologiesCreative Industries MaterialsElectronics, Sensors, Photonics Modern Built EnvironmentEnergy Generation and Supply NanotechnologyEnvironmental Sustainability TransportFinancial Services
Knowledge Transfer Networks
Complemented with cross-sector, challenge-led Special Interest Groups such as in Space, Defence and Industrial Biotechnology
13
University engagement in Technology Strategy Board activities
• ⅔ projects involve at least one University partner
• RC co-funding contribution £97m (31%)– CR&D (27%)– KTPs (15%)
• Academic membership of KTNs 15-20%• Academic membership of _connect ~18%
Universities37%
(£312M)
Industry63%
(£524M)
Portfolio by value
• Experience of working with business and gaining knowledge and understanding of how business operates
• Undertake projects in a specific area of technology and the opportunity to address “real world” problems with business relevance
• Build contacts with business with possibility of future employment
• Expand personal knowledge and experience
Benefits of working with business