Edition 15
Welcome to the 15th edition of NESTA Innovation Digest (ID). NESTA ID is intended to provide fortnightly information and links on the latest news from the world of innovation policy and research and news of international issues and events.
We're sifting news and updates from dozens of websites and bulletins for each edition of ID. We're keen to know how we could improve this service, or perhaps you have suggestions for inclusion - please email digest@enews.nesta.org.uk
Regards,
Richard Halkett - Executive Director, NESTA Policy and Research Unit
Subscribe to our email newsletter version
This issue
HM Treasury has just released the details of its tax relief for entrepreneurs and the European Commission has launched a lead market initiative intended to remove obstacles to innovation in a first batch of six markets. On the research side, ESRC, BERR, DCLG and WAG are joining forces to launch a Centre for Spatial Economics that will look at the different patterns of economic prosperity across England and Wales. NESTA and the Young Foundation have launched a new report on local social innovation, exploring why and how some places innovate more effectively to meet social needs than others. Finally, the USA Commerce Department has outlined its plans to improve how to measure innovation.
Policy
DIUS – Speech by John Denham MP, ‘Science and society: meeting the challenges of the next century’ 16-01-08
In a speech to the RSA, the Secretary of State argued that more importance has to be given to scientific understanding by, and engagement with, the public and that scientific evidence and advice needed to have greater influence on policy.
Prime Minister – Speech on the future of the National Health Service 07-01-08
Speaking at King’s College, the PM argued that in the 21st century the NHS will have to further embrace technological change, meet rising healthcare expectations and adapt to manage long-term conditions. He outlined an intended programme of reform.
BERR – PM appoints Risk and Regulatory Advisory Council 16-01-08
Following a BRC report into public risk, the PM has established the RRAC to improve the way risk to public services is understood and managed by Government. Chaired by Rick Haythornthwaite, the RRAC will report to the PM and is managed by BERR.
HM Treasury – New capital gains tax relief for entrepreneurs 24-01-08
Entrepreneurs' relief will be targeted at the owners of SMEs, and will apply when they sell their business. The relief aims to deliver a 10% tax rate for up to the first £1 million of lifetime capital gains. It will take effect from 6 April 2008.
European Commission – Launch of Lead Market Initiative 07-01-08
Proposals to unlock market potential for innovative goods and services by lifting obstacles in a first batch of six markets: eHealth, protective textiles, sustainable construction, recycling, bio-based products and renewable energies.
IUS select committee report – The Last Report: Government Response 24-01-08
The Government has accepted the recommendation to include ‘science’ in the title of the committee, and has undertaken to table a motion in the Commons to make the necessary procedural changes.
UKTI – Initiative to market the UK's advanced engineering sector 15-01-08
Minister Lord Digby Jones launched a drive to promote the UK as an inward investment location as well as a trading partner for India across the engineering sectors. Measures address partnership working, technology transfer and knowledge exchange.
DIUS – Annual grant letter to HEFCE 21-01-08
Priorities for HEFCE are increasing the number of students in higher education, forging new relationships between employers and universities and widening participation. The letter details the Government's allocations to HEFCE for 2008/09.
DCSF consultation – Home access to technology 09-01-08
Seeks views on the proposed Home Access programme that aims to ensure that every family with 5-19 year old learners in England has access to learning through access to ICT resources at home. Closes 2 April 2008.
DIUS Consultation – Informal Adult Learning - Shaping the Way Ahead 15-01-08
Proposals intended to expand learning and ensure that people have more control over the format and availability of courses, including the introduction of 'virtual' vouchers to enable adults to fund their own informal learning. Closes 15 May 2008.
New Local Government Network report – Changing Whitehall’s DNA: Reforming Whitehall to free cities and counties 14-01-08
The report examines how improved scrutiny of Public Service Agreements could reform Whitehall and so ensure devolution in the delivery of public services.
IUS select committee evidence session – Science budget allocations 21-01-08
Evidence from Professor Ian Diamond, Chair, RCUK; Professor Keith Mason, CEO, STFC; Mr Tony Bell, National Secretary, Prospect; Professor Michael Rowan-Robinson, President, RAS; and Professor Peter Main, Director of Education and Science, IoP.
Westminster Hall debate – Science and Technology Facilities Council 15-01-08
MPs debated the STFC’s budget, autonomy and intended levels of redundancies. Ian Pearson MP, Minister for Science and Innovation, spoke on behalf of the Government.
Westminster Hall debate – Science teaching 15-01-08
Minister Jim Knight MP said the Government is looking for ‘drastic changes’ to science teaching to make it more engaging and inspirational for students. He acknowledged that there remains a shortage of specialist teachers of sciences.
IUS select committee evidence session – Funding for equivalent or lower qualifications 17-01-08
Evidence from Bill Rammell MP; Professor David Eastwood, CEO, HEFCE; Gemma Tumelty, President, NUS; Professor David Latchman, Master of Birkbeck College and Professor Brenda Gourley, Vice-Chancellor, Open University.
BERR feasibility study – tidal power from the Severn Estuary 22-01-08
Will examine the potential environmental, social and economic impacts of the proposals, such as tidal barrages, a hydro electric dam and lagoons. The study is expected to last two years.
DCMS – Launch of The World Collections Programme 18-01-08
£3m initiative chaired by Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum. Intended to share the best of British culture and expertise with museums in Africa and Asia, possibly including staff exchanges, sharing conservation technology and loaning works.
UK-IPO – Launch of the Fast-Track Trade Mark service 14-01-08
Lord Triesman announced the new scheme, intended to support business to protect their IP through fast but effective trademark services. Due to be launched 6 April 2008 after consultation, it is expected to cost users an additional £300.
RCUK – Physics review 21-01-08
Seeks to provide a comprehensive picture of the health of UK physics and its role in underpinning research in many other disciplines. Chaired by Professor Bill Wakeham, Vice Chancellor of the University of Southampton.
HESA statistical press release – Higher education student enrolments and qualifications obtained at HEIs in the UK for the academic year 2006/07 08-10-01
The number of UK students enrolling at UK universities rose by 1% overall from 2005/6 to 2006/7, while there was a 6% increase among other EU students and a 7% rise in non-EU students.
Microsoft UK and NCGE – Launch of Software Entrepreneurship Curriculum 17-01-08
The curriculum has been developed by Microsoft, specifically for technical universities and colleges. It aims to provide technical students with additional knowledge and tools to develop successful and sustainable ventures.
Audit Commission report – For Better, for Worse: Value for Money in Strategic Service-delivery Partnerships 17-01-08
Argues that partnerships intended to overcome the drawbacks of traditional contracts between the public and private sectors often fail to live up to expectations. The report makes recommendations for local authorities.
Demos report – Making it personal 18-01-08
Ed Miliband MP, Dame Denise Platt, Sir David Varney and Norman Lamb MP launched the report, which advocates a self-directed approach to public services.
Invest Northern Ireland – Launch of Digital Content Strategy 10-01-08
Proposes a new framework for developing the sector. Targets include the creation of 30 new digital content start-ups, to provide support for existing companies and to secure foreign investment.
Northern Ireland Executive – Launch of Centre of Excellence for public health research 23-01-08
Belfast will house the centre, led by Professor Frank Kee of Queen’s University. The Centre will receive up to £5m over five years to create new academic posts and develop strong training and career development programmes.
European Commission – Proposals on renewable energy 23-01-08
Plans to generate 20% of energy from renewables, intended to help cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020, including reform of the ETS. The UK has a lower-than-average target of 15%, which is expected to cost £2.25 - £6bn a year.
World Economic Forum – Annual Meeting 2008, Davos 23 to 27-01-08
Business, political and intellectual leaders considered the potential of collaborative innovation – the main theme this year – to help solve a range of global problems.
IUS select committee report – The funding of science and discovery centres: government response 16-01-08
Explores the role and effectiveness of centres, their co-ordination with Government and the options for funding and support.
Research
NESTA and the Young Foundation report – Transformers: How local areas innovate to address changing social needs 22-01-08
Andy Burnham MP; Jonathan Kestenbaum, CEO, NESTA; Geoff Mulgan, Director, Young Foundation and Irene Lucas, CEO South Tyneside MBC launched the report, which examines why some places innovate more effectively than others.
ESRC, BERR, DCLG and WAG – Launch of Centre for Spatial Economics 14-01-08
£2.4m funding over three years to support research into why some regions, cities and communities prosper, whilst other don't. Dr Henry Overman, LSE, has been named as Director.
RCUK – Launch of New Supercomputer for UK Researchers 14-01-08
The £113m supercomputer ’HECToR’ is the largest facility in the UK, intended to facilitate innovative and world leading research and represents the equivalent of approximately 12,000 desktop systems. Based at the University of Edinburgh.
Global Entrepreneurship Monitor – Global report 2007 18-01-08
Examines entrepreneurial activity in 2007 from 42 countries, the characteristics and perceptions of entrepreneurialism and the role of institutions and regulations in supporting or hindering entrepreneurial activity.
Nottingham University – Launch of Driving Innovation in Chemistry and Engineering Centre 10-01-08
Interdisciplinary project intended to research innovation in environmentally friendly ways of making chemicals, more efficient use of energy, renewable raw materials and 'zero-waste' processes. £4.4m funding from the EPSRC and HEFCE.
Launch of research centre – Manchester: Integrating Medicine and Innovative Technology 21-01-08
The first international affiliate of the US centre CIMIT®. Aims to foster collaboration between Greater Manchester hospitals, GP practices and the University of Manchester, to apply the latest technology to clinical problems.
BVCA report – The impact of private equity as a UK financial service 21-01-08
Examines the employment created both directly and indirectly by those engaged in private equity-related activities and also the fees generated through the industry’s fundraising, investment and divestment activities.
IPPR report – Entrepreneurship and innovation in the North: Paper 3 from the Northern Economic Agenda project 21-01-08
Examines the arguments for Government intervention to promote entrepreneurship and innovation, asking why there are less entrepreneurs in the North and considering whether entrepreneurs encourage positive spillover effects into the rest of the economy.
Events
NESTA – Co-Creation Rules 31-01-08
Large and small companies, policy makers, academics and artists will discuss the skills required for collaborative innovation. Speakers include Johnnie Moore and James Cherkoff.
OTS & DCLG conference – Strengthening Communities: partners in action, London 05-02-08
Ministerial, local government and third sector speakers will address partnership working and community empowerment. Speakers include Phil Hope MP, Baroness Andrews, Baroness Neuberger and Barry Quirk.
RSA Arts & Ecology Exchanges: Culture in a Time of Crisis – Perspectives on Global Challenges from the Arts Sector, London 06-02-08
James Purnell MP, Professor Stephen Hopper, Alan Davey, incoming CEO Arts Council England and Matthew Taylor will discuss the role of the cultural sector in climate change issues.
EcoSecurities, Taylor Wessing and Starsupply Renewables – Bioenergy Europe 2008: Markets and finance for biofuels and biomass, London 18 to 19-02-08
Will discuss topics related to the status and use of biomass and biofuels in Europe. Speakers include Jan Geiss, Managing Director, European Forum for Renewable Energy Sources and Tord Fjällström, President, Eubia.
Méditerranée Technologies and Trans2Tech project, France – Driving innovation from science to business 06-03-08
Will discuss the marketing of research in response to the needs of business and barriers to technology transfer and knowledge exchange.
i-genius – World summit, Thailand 13 to 16-03-08
Social entrepreneurs, policy makers, investors, NGOs and media organisations from around the world will discuss opportunities, networks and support for social entrepreneurs. Speakers include Chris Cramer, former president of CNN International.
IRE Conference – Impact Assessment for Better Governance of Regional Innovation Policies, Bilbao, Spain 29 to 30-01-08
European regional policymakers and academics will discuss initiatives to evaluate European regional innovation policies and how they can be applied in order to develop an 'impact assessment culture.’
easy – Investment Forum, Italy 25 to 26-02-08
Business angels and early-stage VC funds from across Europe will identify investment opportunities in 22 selected European companies, representing the following sectors: med-tech and healthcare; design; transportation and logistics; and clean-tech.
Scotland Arts Council – Scotland: Creative Nation, Cultural Summit, Edinburgh 25 to 27-02-08
Will focus on the future of the arts and cultural policy in Scotland. Speakers include Linda Fabiani MSP, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture; and Richard Holloway, Chairman of the Joint Board Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen.
International
USA Commerce Department – Measuring innovation in the 21st century 18-01-08
Plans for the federal statistical agencies and others to work to explain and quantify innovation and its effects. Measures include comprehensive accounting, measuring productivity rises due to increased investment and wider data collection.
World Bank – Launch of the 2008 global development marketplace competition 22-01-08
Offers $4m in grants to social entrepreneurs with innovative ideas that have potential for high impact in promoting sustainable agriculture. Finalists will be announced in Washington in September 2008.
UNCTAD – drive to boost the creative industries in poorer countries 14-01-08
In advance of the annual ministerial meeting (April), due to be accompanied by the release of a report on the creative industries, the UN is seeking to "open the eyes" of governments in poorer countries to the export potential of the creative industries.
Australian Government – Review of national innovation system 22-01-08
The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, announced a review of Australia's national innovation system, to be conducted by an expert panel chaired by Dr Terry Cutler. A Green Paper for consultation is due 31 July 2008.
Nature – China amends patent-rights law to boost innovation 09-01-08
The journal reports that an amendment to legislation will allow academics in China to own the patent rights for intellectual property resulting from publicly funded work. Comes into force 1 July 2008.
Motorola – 2008 Innovation Generation Grants 20-01-08
From a total pool of $4m, $100,000 grants are available to organisations that engage US students and teachers in innovative STEM related projects. Application deadline is the 1 March 2008.
Microsoft – Innovation centre in Cyprus 22-01-08
Commerce Minister Antonis Michaelides and Microsoft Chairman, Bill Gates, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, to establish a Microsoft Innovation Centre and an IT Academy on the island.
NSF and Washington University – Launch of Innovation Acceleration Partnership 11-01-08
$600,000 grant from the NSF to create a partnership intended to help speed up the commercialisation of researchers ideas into market ready products or services.
Launch of NASSCOM – ICICI Knowledge Park Fund, India 11-01-08
$25m fund intended to provide seed stage investments to promote Intellectual Property driven innovations in emerging technologies. The fund is targeted at early stage companies, academicians, researchers and incubates looking to commercialise inventions.
IBM, Nokia, Pitney Bowes, Sony and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development – Launch of Eco-Patent Commons 14-01-08
Members of the corporate community have come together to release dozens of patents to the public domain, intended to encourage researchers, entrepreneurs and companies to create and scale up products, processes, and services that benefit the environment.