Government plans £200m Technology and Innovation Centres

The government has published plans for a series of elite technology and innovation centres, which it hopes will promote economic growth as part of a wider remit to rebalance the British economy.

The centres, first announced by the Prime Minister in October 2010, would be overseen by the Technology Strategy Board, a business-led government body tasked with creating economic growth through innovation. Up to eight centres have been proposed, with 'candidate areas' set to include Energy & Resource Efficiency, Transport Systems, Healthcare, ICT and Electronics, and Photonics & Electrical Systems.

"We should be at the cutting edge of science, manufacturing and technology. And this innovation should be happening in towns and cities across the UK, creating opportunity for everyone, no matter where they live," argued Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. "The programme for technology and innovation centres is a key part of our strategy to rebalance the economy. We have so much potential here in Britain; now is the time to harness it and build the stable, prosperous economy we want."

Business Secretary Vince Cable said it was crucial for the government to support UK industry in order to "turn the discoveries of our world-leading researchers into world-beating products and services".

"The new technology innovation centres will help to equip UK industry with the ability to capitalise on the future global market opportunities by drawing on leading edge research. They form a key part of the Government's work to rebalance the UK economy and create new high-value private sector jobs," Cable added.

The centres would be formed with close links to businesses and universities.

"Technology innovation centres will work in partnership with universities and businesses," said Universities and Science Minister David Willetts. "They will bridge an important gap giving innovative firms access to facilities and technical expertise, enabling them to undertake essential development work which can often be beyond the capability of individual businesses."