Innovation gap
Author:
NESTA
Published
October 2006
Download
Innovation Gap report (PDF, 461Kb)
Innovation Gap policy briefing (PDF, 87Kb)
Description
When people talk about an ‘Innovation Gap’ in the UK, it has traditionally meant a lack of innovation, or at least a “deficit in innovation performance compared to other leading nations.” What this report seeks to clarify is where innovation actually happens in the UK, the usefulness of our current measurement techniques, and the new policy and metrics necessary for us to maximise the UK’s capacity for innovation.
Recommendations
As this report demonstrates, "innovation is all-pervasive, frequently found in unlikely places and is rarely based on traditional understandings of linear, "pipeline" research and development that leads only to new products, drugs or technology."
It makes clear that "We need a deeper understanding of innovation based on where it actually happens, and we need to develop our approach to innovation policy based on this understanding. The current emphasis on traditional research and development is necessary, but not sufficient."
Impact / Benefit
As NESTA's chief executive, Jonathan Kestenbaum explains: "This report is intended to drive forward the discussion and practice of innovation policy in the UK. We will need to develop a firm understanding of what the UK wants from innovation, accurately appraise our capacity in those sectors, and imaginatively build policy accordingly. NESTA will seek to promote and support this through its research, programmes and investments."