Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund
I joined the Transforming Food Production (TFP) team just over a year ago, after spending five enjoyable years with the KTN Agri-food team. I helped many individual companies on their funding journey, but, while I regularly witnessed SMEs winning the funding ‘battle’ by securing a collaborative R&D project, they only had a chance of winning the funding ‘war’ once they secured private investment.
The built environment is critical to the wellbeing of society and underpins 43% of GDP. Yet it is one of the last remaining industries to truly modernise, adopt digital approaches and become more efficient.
It was in late 2016 when, following a knock on my office door, a small team walked in and introduced me to a new project. This was the start of what would later become HyNet North West.
As I reflect on a very enjoyable and productive 12 years with Innovate UK, which came after a 38-year engineering career making aircraft and cars better, safer and more economical, I have to ask myself this awkward question, “How can it be that I’ve only just woken up in the last few years to the harsh realities of climate change?”
As the Innovation Readiness in Foundation Industries report is launched, Bruce Adderley comments on what we need to do to encourage businesses and the sector to embrace innovation in the UK.
As the plans for the National Infrastructure Bank are announced, Mareike Schmidt asks what do we need to do to encourage the growth of smarter, cleaner local energy systems across the UK?
To mark International Women’s Day, 8 March 2021, we’re celebrating women across the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.
Imagine a future where our children are learning in schools that are optimised to maximise their health and ability to concentrate. Where patients in our hospitals get to recover faster because their surroundings boost their mental health. Where hospital layouts are optimised to make routine work efficient so doctors and nurses have more time with patients. Where those buildings are net-zero carbon, have been built faster and are easier to upgrade.
Chris Taylor, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion lead for the Low Cost Nuclear Challenge, explores the importance of promoting diversity in the Nuclear Industry, EDI strategy and the Spark! Contest for students.
Diverse thinking breeds diversity and innovation. Hannah Gibson from the Transforming Construction Challenge team explores what diversity means for the sector.
