U.K. government promotes commercialization of innovative technology
The U.K. government and a couple of research associations are seeking bids from universities interested in hosting new Innovation and Knowledge Centers (IKCs); each center will be funded with £9.5 million spread over five years
The U.K. government is promoting the commercialization of new technologies. Here is but the latest example: The U.K. Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) and the Technology Strategy Board of the Department of Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), togeter with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), are to invest in two new innovation and knowledge centers (IKCs). The organizations are seeking bids from universities who wish to host the new centers, which will promote the early commercialization of emerging technologies. The new centers will each receive £9.5 million spread over five years. The EPSRC (together with the BBSRC where appropriate) will contribute £7 million and £2.5 million will come from the Technology Strategy Board. Further funding will come from universities, industry, and other sponsors.
The IKCs will provide support for five years of intensive early stage development and commercialization of applicable technologies. The location of the centers is expected to be announced in September 2008.
