Edition 22
Welcome to the 22nd 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
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This issue
In the IUSS Select Committee report on science budget allocations, the Committee welcomes the increase in the science budget but is critical of the first science budget allocations. NESTA and the Cambridge-MIT Institute (University of Cambridge) have released new research on innovation in UK services. In the USA, the ITIF-Brookings Institute published a report calling for a federal innovation policy if the country is to keep its innovation lead. Finally, on 20 May NESTA holds its annual event, the Innovation Edge, where over 2,000 people will discuss a range of innovation topics and hear from world renowned speakers and experts.
Policy
HM Treasury – New working group on business taxation, competitiveness and globalisation 29-04-08
Will bring together ten senior representatives of multinational companies to discuss ways in which the tax system can support multinational companies’ competitiveness in a globalised economy. Will be chaired by Financial Secretary Jane Kennedy.
BERR – Introduction of small firms to Government procurement contracts online 30-04-08
From 1 May until 31 July 2008, the http://www.supply2.gov.uk website will allow new registrants to gain free access to public sector contracts valued under £100,000 for the UK and Northern Ireland. About 3,000 new contracts will be available each month.
IUSS select committee report – Science Budget Allocations 30-04-08
Welcomes an increased budget from the CSR07 but argues that some allocation decisions have been poor. Expresses concern over full economic costing issues and the establishment and operations, to date, of the STFC.
DIUS – Next steps to assess research 24-04-08
Announced two modifications to the original plans for implementing the Research Excellence Framework: for all subjects the assessment will include metrics-based indicators and the timetable for designing the new framework will be extended by 12 months.
HEFCE – Analysis of responses to the consultation on the assessment and funding of higher education research post-2008 24-04-08
Respondents expressed concerns about the implications of a single approach to quality assessment for all subjects; and requested a 12-month extension for the development of new assessment regime for science-based disciplines.
The Queen's Award for Enterprise 21-04-08
Awards for outstanding UK business in three categories: International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development. Also awards for individuals who develop and promote business enterprise.
Public Accounts select committee report – Government on the Internet: progress in delivering information and services 29-04-08
Argues that the streamlining of Government web services, notably Direct.gov.uk and businesslink.gov.uk is a welcome development, but that the responsible department (DWP) should arrange for regular independent reviews of how they are developing.
Higher Education Statistics Agency – HE Finance Plus 2006/07 11-04-08
To help and support those who wish to start, maintain or grow a business in Wales, by providing advice, information and support. A new Single Investment Fund is intended to form a unified source of financial and specialist support.
Welsh Assembly Government – Launch of Flexible Support for Business 17-04-08
To help and support those who wish to start, maintain or grow a business in Wales, by providing advice, information and support. A new Single Investment Fund is intended to form a unified source of financial and specialist support.
Scottish Enterprise – Business Plan 2008-2011 28-04-08
Targets include attracting 1,800 to 2,400 high value jobs through inward investment; increasing business R&D by up to £60m; greater support to 20 start-ups; and supporting 20 to 30 knowledge transfers between universities and businesses.
Scottish Enterprise and the Royal Society of Edinburgh – Enterprise Fellowships Scheme 24-04-08
Funding for Scotland-based academics to create spin-out companies, with a year's salary, business training, development fund and access to networks of mentors, experts and advisors. Application closes 6 June 2008.
Scottish Government – Framework for International Engagement 22-04-08
Sets out a cross government approach to attract people to live, work, learn and visit Scotland. Includes measures to internationalise Scotland's business and promote Scottish cultural identity.
HM Treasury – Sir David Varney’s Review of the Competitiveness of Northern Ireland 30-04-08
Recommends further public sector reform; deeper labour market and welfare reform; more employer-led skills; and a more joined up approach between private and public sectors.
Northern Ireland Executive – Compendium of Northern Ireland educational national statistics 1994/95 to 2006/07 28-04-08
Summarises education statistics including pupil/teacher ratios, participation rates, school leavers' destinations and qualifications.
European Patent Office and the European Commission – European Inventor of the Year 2008 06-05-08
12 nominees across four categories: industry, SME enterprises/research institutes, non-European countries and lifetime achievement. The awards will be presented by the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Danilo Türk, in Ljubljana on 6 May.
European Commission and European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) – Launch of the Innovative Medicines Initiative 30-04-08
Programme details for the first call for proposals. Under the IMI, pharmaceutical companies will match-fund €1bn EC investment, intended to remove bottlenecks in drug discovery and development.
Research
NESTA and Cambridge-MIT Institute report – Taking services seriously: How policy can stimulate the ‘hidden innovation’ in the UK’s services economy 02-05-08
Services firms struggle to innovate because they lack expertise, resources and support. Only 24% introduce new products or services. Biggest barriers to innovation are risk, uncertainty, regulation, lack of skilled workers.16,000 firms surveyed.
NESTA provocation – Breaking the boundaries: Transformative innovation for the global good 29-04-08
Argues that selective technology solutions are not sufficient to meet the sustainability challenge and that innovation for environmental sustainability should be an overarching goal of national policy.
BCC report – The Ideas Business: The Real Innovation Nation 28-04-08
In response to the DIUS Science and Innovation White Paper, maps out RDA innovation activity and makes recommendations toward how the £2.2bn RDA budget needs to improve delivery of innovation in the regions.
Publishers Association and British Academy – Joint Guidelines on Copyright and Academic Research 30-04-08
Addresses problem such as fair dealing exemptions, the terms of protection for different types of materials, widespread confusion over copyright for material held in digital form, and ownership issues.
Startups – The Startups 100 list 24-04-08
A listing of the UK’s most innovative and ground-breaking new companies. In first place is Beatthatquote.com, followed by Monitise and Zopa.
Work Foundation report – Migration Myths: Employment, Wages and Labour Market Performance 24-04-08
Argues that high levels of immigration over the past ten years have been good for the economy. Both inflation and interest rates have been lower as a result, skills and labour shortages have been avoided and the economy has enojyed stable growth.
Events
University of Oxford – What is Science for?, Oxford 12-05-08
Professor Sir John Sulston and Professor John Harris under the Chairmanship of Professor Richard Dawkins will discuss some of the most urgent ethical and regulatory problems raised by contemporary science, and suggest some possible solutions.
RSA – Opening Minds Conference 2008, London 13-05-08
Will explore the changes to the way learning is organised in schools. Speakers include Michael Gernon, Principal RSA Tipton Academy; Paul Hammond, Deputy Head Oasis Academy; and Mick Waters, QCA Director of Curriculum.
IPPR – Local Government Futures: The New Central Local Relationship, London 15-05-08
Will explore changes since the Lyons Review; innovation in public services; and next plans for a new White paper. Speakers include John Healey MP, Minister of State for Local Government and Sir Michael Lyons, Chairman, Lyons Inquiry.
OECD/CERI International Conference – Learning in the 21st Century: Research, Innovation and Policy, Paris 15 to 16-05-08
On the occasion of CERI’s 40th anniversary, will address the CERI approach of combining futures thinking with evidence-informed research and innovation results.
Innovating Regions in Europe (IRE) – Innovation governance: Enhancing interaction in the regional innovation system, France 05 to 06-06-08
Will explore policy challenges related to the globalisation of regional clusters and innovation systems, and the need for closer cooperation between the public and the private sector.
Shine, London 09 to 11-05-08
Shine is an unconference for social entrepreneurs. You'll experience collaborative thinking, audience-led dialogue and peer-to-peer learning. NESTA will run two sessions, inviting you to help us design better access to risk capital.
Demos - University science: a public good? 15-05-08
Will discuss the effects and impacts of companies funding university science, and whether it helps or hinders innovation and research. Speakers include Professor Philip Moriarty, Ian Gibson MP and John Pethica, Chief Scientist NPL.
Arts Council and Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 2008 – 3rd national conference: Creative communities 2008, Liverpool 15-05-08
Will explore the latest opportunities to meet Government targets through community-led creative programmes which address issues of diversity, employability, health and well-being. Speakers include Andy Burnham MP and Professor Phil Redmond.
British Association for the Advancement of Science - 2008 science communication conference 19 to 20-05-08
Will discuss issues facing science communicators in the UK, including how to inspire, education and media relations. Speakers include Lord Melvyn Bragg and Ian Pearson MP.
CBI – Annual Dinner 2008 20-05-08
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, will make a keynote address on issues of government-business relations, including debate on capital gains tax, ‘non-doms’ and the response to the credit crunch.
5th Annual MIT Sloan CIO Symposium, Massachusetts 21-05-08
CIOs, CTOs, and senior technology executives will discuss issues around ‘Balancing Innovation and Cost Leadership in Your Firm’. Speakers include Professor McAfee, Harvard Business School; Marc Gordon, CIO Bank of America and Molly O’Neill, CIO US E
Growth Strategies 2008 23-05-08
Will address business growth: acquisitions, the threats and opportunities from Europe, funding growth and managing growth. Speakers include Doug Richard, Chairman of Library House, Colonel Tim Collins and Declan Curry, BBC business presenter.
Innovation Exchange – Festivals of Ideas 30-04-08 and 07-05-08
Online exchange between commissioners, innovators and social investors to generate ideas about independent living and excluded young people. In July a participant will receive support and funding.
NESTA – The Innovation Edge, Royal Festival Hall 20-05-08
Will bring together experts from industry, culture, politics and academia. Speakers include Bob Geldof, Lord Puttnam, Helen Alexander, Michael Birch and urban artist 'Inkie'. There will be eight expert seminars in the afternoon to chose from.
International
ITIF-Brookings report – Boosting productivity, innovation and growth through an (American) national innovation foundation 22-04-08
Argues that without a federal innovation policy the USA’s innovation and competitive lead is shrinking. Calls for the establishment of a National Innovation Foundation to support firms and other organisations in their innovative activities.
Australian Industry Group and Deloitte National CEO Survey 24-04-08
Highlights the integral role skills play in lifting innovation and driving business success. Estimates that 250,000 full-time employees are needed to satisfy current skill needs, and that current shortages are impeding Australia's innovation performance.
Business Week – The World's 50 Most Innovative Companies 17-04-08
Apple leads the list, followed by Google and Toyota. Tata Group and Nintendo, both making their first appearance, landed in the top 10. Virgin is the highest UK entry at 28. Other UK companies are HSBC, BP and Vodafone.
UNCTAD – The Creative Economy Report 2008: the challenge of assessing the creative economy towards informed policy-making 20-04-08
Examines the issues underlying the emerging creative economy at national and international levels. Policy suggestions are aimed at assisting countries to harness and maximise opportunities. Supported by a statistical annex.