Today, the Nanotechnology Mini-Innovation and Growth Team (Mini-IGT) will present a report giving its recommendations for the future success of nanotechnology in the UK. It also reviews where the UK sits in comparison with competitors in relation to funding of nanotechnology, and considers a strategic approach to the commercialisation of nanotechnology based products offering a view of where the UK could be in 2020, assuming the recommendations are implemented.

The report entitled "Nanotechnology: a UK Industry View" details work carried out by the Mini-IGT following Lord Drayson's launch of the Government evidence gathering website on 7th July 2009 with the announcement that the UK would develop a Nanotechnology Strategy.

The report has been prepared on behalf of industry to provide a market wide view of what is required to ensure that nanotechnology based industries are successful in the UK. It has been actively endorsed by a Steering and Review Group comprising 46 leaders from industry, academia, research and technology organisations and trade associations.

Report Recommendations
Recommendations have been listed under four headings: Policy and Regulation, Funding, Skills, and Engagement. Given that nanotechnology innovation and exploitation is business driven, the main recommendation is that the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) should be responsible for leading and coordinating activities across Government to ensure investment provides added value for the UK.

If this recommendation is implemented, funding can then be directed through the various bodies responsible to BIS to drive successful commercialisation of nanotechnology based products.

It is further recommended that more accessible and commercially focussed funding should be provided for SMEs as well as larger companies engaged in the development of nanotechnology based products to support innovation in the UK.

The event, attended by over 100 delegates from across UK industry and academia, also provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the cohesive and coherent vision of industry and the community for future nanotechnology research, development and exploitation in the UK to meet the scientific, technical and societal challenges we face.

Programme outline
The event programme includes speakers from Government departments, industry and academia and includes presentations and exhibitions showcasing UK activities in nanotechnology. In addition, presentations highlighting UK Excellence in Nanotechnology were given by:

- Professor Jeremy Ramsden, Chair of Nanotechnology, Cranfield University;
- Dr Paul Reip, Director, Government and Strategic Programmes, Intrinsiq Materials Ltd;
- Dr Daniel Lynch, Technical Director, Exilica Ltd;
- Dr Benedicte Thiebaut, Principal Scientist, Johnson Matthey and
- Dr Alan Smith, Managing Director, AZ-TECH.

The Mini-IGT comprises members of the Nanotechnology and Materials Knowledge Transfer Networks with support from Materials UK, and members of the Sensors and Instrumentation and Chemistry Innovation Knowledge Transfer Networks. The four Knowledge Transfer Networks have worked very closely to prepare this report and will continue to work with BIS and other government departments to drive effective implementation of those recommendations endorsed and promoted by government.

The report is available to download from www.nanoktn.com or www.materialsktn.net.

About The NanoKTN
The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) facilitates the transfer of knowledge and experience between industry and research, offering companies dealing in small-scale technology access to information on new processes, patents and funding as well as keeping up-to-date with industry regulation. The four broad areas that the NanoKTN focuses on are: Promoting and facilitating knowledge exchange, supporting the growth of UK capabilities, raising awareness of Nanotechnology, and providing thought leadership and input to UK policy and strategy. For more information, visit www.nanoktn.com.

About The Materials KTN
The Materials Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) is a partnership between business, research and technology organisations, designers and universities to provide UK manufacturing and services with additional resources to compete in global markets. The Materials KTN incorporates groups related to metals, plastics, packaging, ceramics, technical textiles, design, composite materials, smart materials and materials for transport. For more information about the Materials KTN, visit www.materialsktn.net.

About Materials UK
Materials UK is the policy and legislative arm of the Materials KTN. It advises Government on priorities for materials in the UK. It works with the materials community to deliver essential activities such as the optimisation of the UK’s R&D asset base, provision of a validated database of materials property for designers, producers and users, and knowledge transfer to support the development of materials, manufacturing and new applications. Website: www.matuk.co.uk.

About The Sensors & Instrumentation KTN
The Sensors & Instrumentation Knowledge Transfer Network (SIKTN) is the UK’s national network covering the whole of the UK’s sensing community, from academics and large industries to small businesses, research councils and government departments. The KTN embraces sensing in its entirety – from the principles of measurement and novel sensor technologies to instrumentation, deployment and data analysis. It works with industry and researchers to stimulate innovation in the development and deployment of sensors and instrumentation technologies. For more information, visit: www.sensorsktn.com or email: info@sensorsktn.com.

About The Chemistry Innovation KTN
Chemistry Innovation is a national Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) established in 2006 to stimulate and support product and process innovation in the UK chemistry-using industries. We seek to drive value for the UK economy through the delivery of a coherent strategy and support framework for stakeholders that provides focus and prioritises activity. We facilitate innovation and knowledge transfer by providing unique events and networking opportunities that connect companies, universities, funding bodies, national, regional and devolved administrations - enabling them to focus on a common innovation agenda. We drive partnerships and collaborations with other UK and European organisations involved in the delivery of innovation services to ensure a coherent approach with industry/academia in defining and funding the delivery of innovation projects. Chemistry Innovation is currently engaged in a portfolio of collaborative projects valued at over £60 million and involving over 150 organisations. To date, our activities have generated over £740 million of value to UK plc. For more information visit www.chemistryinnovation.co.uk.

About Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs)
Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs) are national networks in specific fields of technology or business application, which bring together people from businesses, universities, research, finance, the public sector and technology organisations to stimulate innovation through knowledge exchange. Funded by the Technology Strategy Board, their activities play an increasingly important role in the development of the Government's technology strategy, and help to feed and drive the Collaborative Research & Development Programme and other innovation interventions. There are currently 24 KTNs with a total membership of about 25,000 people. For further information please see www.ktnetworks.co.uk

About The Technology Strategy Board
The Technology Strategy Board (www.innovateuk.org) is a business-led executive non-departmental public body, established by the government. Its role is to promote and support research into, and development and exploitation of, technology and innovation for the benefit of UK business, in order to increase economic growth and improve the quality of life.

Source: MCC International