Dr Sir David King, the government’s chief scientific advisor, was guest speaker at the launch of the low carbon and fuel cell KnowledgeTransfer Network (KTN) in central London yesterday.
In his address, Dr King warned of the consequences of climate change but pointed to the potential of technology solutions. ‘Investment in science and innovation is the most important step government can take’, he said before calling for a new culture to ensure home-grown talent remains in the UK.
Dr King praised the KTN, describing it as an integral part of the process to promote innovation, by creating a forum for discussion and ideas among academia and industry. This should help turn world-class innovation into competitive advantage for companies based here in the UK.
The launch took place simultaneously in London and Yokohama, and was led by Cenex, the centre of excellence for low carbon and fuel technolgies.Three other partners are involved – SMMT Foresight Vehicle, Fuel Cells Today and Fuel Cells UK.
Central to the KTN is its web portal. The partners hope to encourage active participation in the exchange of ideas between industry and academia through the new site.
Speaking via video link from Japan Robert Evans, CEO of Cenex, said, ‘KTNs will play a vital role in making the necessary connections between various players, from academia, industry, customers and the investor community, necessary to encourage innovation growth.’
