Innovation in Industry

Innovation will be a key driver in the prosperity of the chemical sciences and in overcoming emerging global challenges such as energy, climate change and a growing population. The RSC Industry and Technology Forum (ITF) recognises this and organises a range of activities to promote the area.

Dave Alker, President of the ITF, is excited by the upcoming activities: "This year the Forum is particularly looking forward to being involved with the RSC's Roadmap, which will identify the role of the chemical sciences in tackling such global challenges and map out areas to help foster future innovation."

Innovation has become a hot topic in recent years and with the Government launch of the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) it is set to become even bigger. The RSC recently responded to the DIUS 'Talking Innovation' consultation, which will form the basis of the Government's new Science and Innovation Strategy. It provides a real opportunity for the RSC to influence Government and work closely with other stakeholders on achieving innovation in the chemical sciences. 

Celebrating Innovation

ITF is dedicated to encouraging and promoting innovation and annually holds the RSC Innovation Awards. This month sees the winners collect prizes for entrepreneurship, teamwork and creativity in industry.

Heather McFarlane, the RSC's Industry Specialist, has been impressed with the entries for the awards this year: "The standard has been high and the shortlisted candidates have demonstrated a positive contribution to innovation in all fields of the chemical science industry, from drug discovery to manufacturing smart textiles." 

Winners will be announced on 17 April and members can find out details through our website. 

Support

The innovative nature of small companies in the chemical sciences arguably places them as the future of the chemical industries. Over recent years, the RSC's support for the sector has continued to increase, with a wide range of activities to help support and promote small companies.

ITF hold a number of networking events throughout the UK; last month saw Industry Connect Scotland and Launch Pad London. Both attracted high numbers, bringing together the chemistry community with talks on what it takes to start a successful small company. These events support the foundations of innovation by sharing ideas and best practice. Practical information is also available at our Intellectual Property (IP) seminars and on the small company website.

The next IP Seminar takes place on 15 May in the North East and the thirteenth Industry Connect will be held in Kent on 11 June.
Innovation relies on the supply of skilled chemical science graduates. The RSC are currently involved in promoting careers within this sector by arranging industry visits for post graduates and holding student-tailored small company events like last month's Launch Pad. These activities strengthen ITF's work with the RSC Education Department and the RSC Chemistry for our Future programme.

The supply of skilled graduates is just one way of ensuring a supportive environment for innovation. "Adequate business support and funding are crucial and the RSC informs policy to assist this," explains Heather McFarlane.

The RSC also works hard to coordinate work with regional development agencies, regional chemical initiatives and government to maximise effects. McFarlane continues: "Not only do businesses need practical advice and support but interactions between industry and academia need to be encouraged."

Collaboration for Success

Innovation is the commercialisation of ideas and its success relies heavily on the transfer of knowledge from academia to industry. Collaboration is therefore key and the ITF works closely with Chemistry Innovation Knowledge Transfer Network (CIKTN) to help understand and improve the industry/academia interface.

The RSC also plays a key role in a new innovation alliance headed by Chemistry Innovation along with the Institute of Chemical Engineers, the Society of Chemical Industry and the Chemical Industries Association.  This initiative aims to increase innovation capacity across the chemical science industry and community.

Dave Alker encourages scientists to contribute to interest groups where they can: "With collaboration and interaction at the heart of innovation, the thirteen ITF associated interest groups are an excellent way to get involved. Interest groups give RSC members in industry and academia the opportunity to get together, keep up to date on specialised issues as well as share and develop ideas."