Member Article

UK urged to harness innovation

Business and government must recognise the innovation that occurs outside of the science lab in a bid to boost its impact on the UK economy, according to a new report. ‘Hidden Innovation’ is the latest study from the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA). The report looks at how innovation occurs in sectors that are not traditionally perceived as innovative.

The danger, according to NESTA, is that where innovation is not being measured, it may be overlooked and its potential will go unrealised. Examples cited in the report include the seismic sensors which aim to increase recovery from oil fields by one billion barrels and the gas fitters training programme at Reading prison which has cut the number of young people re-offending from 70 to just 10 per cent.

The report stresses the proactive role industry must play, arguing that to develop a full innovation strategy requires a level of sectoral understanding that only industry can provide. NESTA says it is exploring ways in which it can work with individual sectors to maximise their potential for innovation.

Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Alistair Darling, said: “Innovation is key to Britain’s future and at the centre of our approach is creating a climate where innovation can flourish. Innovation in the wider economy, including in our services sector, has been too often a well-kept secret and we have a chance to change that. It is a vital driver to ensure we’re a world-leading economy. It’s the way we’ll stay in front in the future.”

Jonathan Kestenbaum, NESTA CEO, said: “It’s clear we need to develop policy that supports innovation beyond its traditional home in science and technology, and be more sensitive to other contributing factors. This change should be driven not just by government but by business leaders across all UK sectors who must also commit to recognising, measuring and promoting innovation.”

More information on NESTA is available at www.nesta.org.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .