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Dept of Trade and Industry

Answer

Mr. Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he has taken to establish networks of research-oriented small and medium enterprises. [61320] Mrs. Roche: From the day it was elected, this Government have striven to encourage better networking by research-oriented SMEs. Very often, such firms possess real talent and innovative ideas; it is our aim to encourage them to learn from each other, and from a wider canvas of expertise, how best to bring their research to market. I recognise and welcome the industrial forums that have been established in Wales and commend them to other parts of the country. One of the earliest actions of this Government, following the 1997 election, was to announce the establishment of the first four Faraday Partnerships in the UK. Each Faraday Partnership is a collaborative network between one or more universities, one or more independent research and technology organisations and a group of up to 30 firms, focusing especially on small and medium-sized firms. At regional and local level, numerous semi-formal groupings exist, usually facilitated by Government Office, Business Links or universities and research organisations. Many such groups have been established as a result of the work of the team of 13 regional industrial secondees working in the DTI's Innovation Unit, who in turn collaborate with local providers to identify suitable topics for networking. Particular emphasis has been given to encouraging smaller firms to understand the outcomes of the Foresight process. Many high-technology small firms are nowadays key to Britain's industrial capability--in topics such as software and aspects of biotechnology. Keeping these firms aware of the directions that science and technology are taking in our universities is a fundamental role of networks.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

61320; 321 c284-5W

Session

1998-99

Question not reached

Yes

Subjects

Small businesses Technology Research Science Business links Faraday partnership scheme