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World leading accolade for engineering research
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20/05/2009
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Engineering research in the UK has been rated as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in a document released yesterday (19 May) by The Engineering and Technology Board (ETB).
Its new policy paper, documents the excellent state of engineering research within UK universities, and calls for increased research credits to ensure small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro-businesses can afford to keep innovating.
The ETB’s report, based on the independent analysis of a research assessment exercise, reveals that between 58% and 71% of the research and development taking place in UK university engineering departments is rated as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, with the highest scores being obtained in chemical and civil engineering.
Mechanical, aeronautical and manufacturing engineering also faired well with 62% achieving world leading or internationally excellent status. For electrical and electronic engineering, 59 % were considered world leading or internationally excellent.
The paper also proposed strengthening and developing this excellent research by:
· Increasing research credits for SMEs and micro-businesses, to ensure they keep innovating.
· Encouraging large and successful businesses in the UK to mentor SMEs and micro-businesses and provide them with knowledge of customer markets and and venture-capital.
· Providing a financial support mechanism to help to help SMEs overcome the high costs of Intellectual Property Rights protection of products and innovations
Paul Jackson (pictured), Chief Executive of the ETB said: “University engineering departments are doing an excellent job laying the foundations for the future economic recovery. Engineering research and the cutting-edge products and services it produces are crucial to ensuring the UK keeps pace with the rest of the world. We must plan and invest now in order to ensure the UK continues to excel in innovation.”
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Author
Ken Hurst
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