Innovation, innovation, innovation

UK R&D spending is currently at 1.9 percent of GDP. In Europe as a whole, the growth rate of R&D intensity (R&D expenditure as percentage of GDP) has been declining since 2000 and is now close to zero. Europe is likely to miss the objective it set itself to boost R&D spending from 1.9 to 3 percent by 2010

The DTI plans to raise UK R&D spending to 2.5 percent  of GDP by 2014. It aims to achieve this through its Technology Programme which provides funding to facilitate more investment in science, engineering and technology with the active participation of business and industry. The programme currently supports 19 KTNs which the DTI sees as major players in fulfilling its goals.     

The facilitation of innovation

So what is a KTN? In government speak, a KTN will ‘stimulate innovation in the UK’s key technology sectors by promoting collaboration, best practice and knowledge sharing between industry and academia'. Through partnership and teamwork, KTNs 'aim to position the UK as the innovation engine for Europe’.

Simply put, the objective of a knowledge transfer Network is to improve innovation in UK business by increasing their ability to turn knowledge and expertise into new technology and products. The Government sees innovation as the key to our future economic growth and competitiveness. 

The Chemistry Innovation KTN (also known as Chemistry Innovation) will make it easier for UK companies to seize opportunities. Chemistry Innovation will bring together a number of organisations to facilitate innovation in the chemistry using industries. 

Using chemistry

It is hard to find a part of our lives that isn't influenced by chemistry. Whether fighting illness, decorating the house or fuelling your car, chemicals are integral to the way we live our lives. The technologies and products that underpin most industries will use chemistry. This includes base chemicals - the building blocks which are converted into other chemicals, plastics or products, as well as specialised chemicals for the food and drink, pharmaceutical and personal care industries. 

Chemistry-using industries are defined as those producing chemicals and those using them to formulate products. The base chemical industry alone consists of companies which employ over 400,000 people and represent approximately £42 billion worth of UK-manufactured products. 

Chemistry Innovation

The DTI has invested £4.7m in the Chemistry Innovation KTN over three years. The network will identify key areas of technology that need developing and will help facilitate collaborative working between business and the science base.

The RSC is the host organisation for Chemistry Innovation and has been involved in planning and implementation. The original proposal came out of the Chemistry Leadership Council - a group of industry experts set up by government to provide a future strategy for the chemical industry. 

In addition, three Faraday Partnerships (Crystal, Insight and Impact) are integrating with Chemistry Innovation. These groupings were part of the DTI's previous mechanism for promoting improved interaction between the UK science base and industry. KTNs differ from Faraday Partnerships in that they will be more focused on the needs of industry. 

In essence, Chemistry Innovation will be a simple and independent point of access to a broad range of experts and organisations that can assist with innovation. The KTN can help with large or small businesses linked to the chemistry-using industries, and with science, engineering or manufacturing changes.

In particular, the KTN can advise on ways to exploit new process technology and on methods of lowering costs and creating novel products. Chemistry Innovation will be led by industry and will therefore have a good grasp of its needs.

Our challenge

The RSC is involved in this activity to do one thing: advance the chemical sciences. We have made contributions to education, energy and other science policy areas. Our role in innovation and in the chemistry Innovation KTN in particular, will help strengthen the case for the chemical sciences and their importance to our country's future

With its wide expert networks and political clout, the RSC will play an important part in the KTN. Working with other bodies such as the Institution of Chemical Engineers and the Society of Chemical Industry, we can help Chemistry Innovation influence both national and international political agendas.

There is no doubt that Chemistry Innovation has much to do over the next three years. But with the backing of industry, government and organisations like the RSC, it can allow the UK to compete on a global scale.