The
DTI has unveiled a £120m science jackpot that will be used to help forge
stronger links between learning institutions and British industry.
Over
200 universities, colleges and hospitals across the country will benefit from
the funds which were awarded by an independent board, chaired by Dr John Taylor
of the Office of Science and Technology.
The
awards were made as part of the Government’s Knowledge Exploitation Funding
Programme and Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt acknowledged the
need for better synergy between research and industry.
"Our
universities and other research facilities play a vital role in providing
Britain with a highly qualified workforce, and it is essential we have the
links necessary to turn new ideas and technology into and prosperity and
jobs," she said.
In
April, institutions were invited to bid for cash that could be used to exploit
potential and improve business links. The criteria for awards included
innovation, value for money and how appropriate the activity was to the region.
"In
the past, we have failed to take full advantage of the fact that the UK has
some of the best brains in the world. The Government is committed to ensuring
that ‘invented in Britain’ becomes ‘made in Britain’," Hewitt said.
