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New independent board to focus on innovation

The DTI’s Technology Strategy Board is to become independent under plans to make it more business-focused. The Board, which is responsible for advising the Government on business research and technology priorities for the UK, will also take over the funding of the £178m Technology Programme, which is designed to help companies to develop technologies that could be beneficial to business in the future. Mr Darling said that the Technology Programme would also receive a further £50m to support technology and innovation.

Graham Spittle, chairman of the Technology Strategy Board, said: “As an independent body, I want the Technology Strategy Board to further build ties with business and continue to focus on areas of UK strength. It will also need to place more emphasis on the use of technology and innovation in the service sector, including in financial services and creative industries, which are key areas for the future.”

Richard Lambert, Director-General of the Confederation of British Industry, who welcomed the move, said: “The Government must stay ambitious and take a radical approach when it sets the detail of the TSB’s remit. “There is potential for the new TSB to drive strategic thinking about future needs across all public services, and sponsor promising research by universities and businesses to meet them – helping convert good ideas into commercial success.”

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