DTI initiative to aid competitiveness

The IEE and the NMI have welcomed the announcement by the UK's Department for Trade and Industry of funding for the creation of an electronics knowledge transfer network (KTN).

The IEE and the NMI have welcomed the announcement by the UK's Department for Trade and Industry of funding for the creation of an electronics knowledge transfer network (KTN).

The recognition by Government of the importance of such a network to the UK electronics industry and to the UK economy is very encouraging.

The decision to consider an electronics KTN follows the recommendations of the Electronics Innovation and Growth Team (EIGT) report and continued lobbying efforts calling for the development of a network offering a range of activities to connect government, industry and academia.

Paul Jackson, Director of Professional Operations for the IEE, said: "It is vital for the UK's long term prosperity that we capitalise on our world-class science, engineering and technology base".

"The UK electronics industry can still compete successfully against its global competitors, provided there is a strong enough network to stimulate innovation and facilitate the exchange of knowledge throughout the electronics community".

The IEE and NMI are among a number of organisations including UK high-tech trade association Intellect who have called for the creation of a dedicated KTN for electronics, in the interests of helping to ensure the future of the UK electronics industry and the markets that it underpins.

John Moor, Director of Marketing for NMI added "Electronics has become such an embedded product that the high value it adds to virtually every industrial sector can easily be overlooked".

"The power of knowledge flows and networking activities is undeniable - we've witnessed this first hand through our work in microelectronics".

"The investment in a broader electronics KTN is a welcomed boost to this strategic industry and formidable UK competency".

Back to top