New Opportunity to Influence UK Marine Industry Research
Published on 30/8/2012
UK marine companies have a significant chance to influence Government sponsored research.
The Technology Strategy Board is planning a call for research by the marine industries, in January 2013. Covering most aspects of ships, boats, submarines and renewable energy devices, it is also being supported by DSTL and Scottish Enterprise. The call will build on the marine industries roadmap at http://www.ukmarinealliance.co.uk/news/marine-industries-technology-roadmap.
The UK Marine Industries Alliance welcomes the plan as a very positive development, which will support marine companies, located across the UK. Ricardo plc, a multi-industry consultancy for engineering, technology, project innovation and strategy, is consulting with marine companies to assess the sector’s current level of innovation capability in two technology areas. The two topics of interest are:
- Clean and efficient propulsion & on-board power
- On-board information, communications & control technology
The study will guide the Technology Strategy Board in defining the scope of the research. So participation in the capability study will give companies the chance to ensure their technology interests are fairly considered.
Consultation questionnaires have been sent out with workshops being held in September and October. Any company that may wish to participate but believes it has not been consulted, should contact Ricardo’s project team through David Hutton - David.Hutton@ricardo.com or 01273 794319
Ricardo plc will gather information on technology capability, using this industry questionnaire. Through it, companies understood to be undertaking R&D in the UK that relates to the two topics of interest are being invited to indicate in which specific technology areas they are active. Workshops will then be held in late September and early October to review the aggregated results and refine the analysis. The process will help to build up an accurate picture of the pattern of R&D undertaken in the UK in the two focus topics, and will indicate where the UK has the best potential to capitalise on the opportunities identified in the 2011 roadmapping study. The results are expected to be published in early 2013.
Ricardo has been commissioned by the Technology Strategy Board on behalf of the UK Marine Industries Alliance and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, to undertake the study.
The UK marine industries comprise over 5000 companies directly involved in manufacturing or providing support services in the leisure marine, naval, marine equipment, offshore renewable energy and the marine science sectors. Together they employ around 90,000 people, generate annual sales of over £10 Billion and contribute nearly £3.5 billion to UK GDP. Co-chaired by the UK Business Minister and a senior industry representative, the UK Marine Industries Alliance was formed in 2011. It represents all UK marine companies, industry trade and professional bodies, trades unions, government and public agencies. Its purpose is to develop and to deliver a cohesive long term strategy to grow the sector, aimed at delivering £8 Billion growth by 2020, and its contribution to the economy and to promote the interests of the UK marine sector worldwide.
The Technology Strategy Board is the UK’s innovation agency. Its goal is to accelerate economic growth by stimulating and supporting business-led innovation. Sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the Technology Strategy Board brings together business, research and the public sector, supporting and accelerating the development of innovative products and services to meet market needs, tackle major societal challenges and help build the future economy. For more information please visit http://www.innovateuk.org/
Ricardo plc is a global, world-class, multi-industry consultancy for engineering, technology, project innovation and strategy. With almost a century of delivering value, we employ over 1600 professional engineers, consultants and staff. Our people are committed to providing outstanding value through quality engineering solutions focused on high efficiency, low emission, class-leading product innovation and robust strategic implementation. Our client list includes the world's major transportation original equipment manufacturers, supply chain organizations, energy companies, financial institutions & governments. Guided by our corporate values of respect, integrity, creativity & innovation and passion, we enable our customers to achieve sustainable growth and commercial success. For more information, visit www.ricardo.com.