Edition 28
Welcome to the 28th edition of NESTA Innovation Digest (ID). NESTA ID is intended to provide fortnightly information and links on the latest news from the world of innovation policy and research and news of international issues and events.
We're sifting news and updates from dozens of websites and bulletins for each edition of ID. We're keen to know how we could improve this service, or perhaps you have suggestions for inclusion - please email digest@enews.nesta.org.uk
As tasked in ‘Innovation Nation’, NESTA is developing an Innovation Index. A call for ideas has been launched on a micro site, with a web forum for discussion. Please sign up and contribute at www.innovationindex.org.uk.
Regards,
Richard Halkett - Executive Director, NESTA Policy and Research Unit
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This issue
Despite the summer holiday season, the world of innovation policy is still very active. DIUS has just opened a consultation on developing a new Science and Society Strategy for the UK, and published its draft Apprenticeships Bill. The Conservatives are also taking apprenticeships seriously with a Green Paper setting out bold plans to reform the training and apprenticeship system. A historical agreement has been signed between the BPI, the government and six major internet service providers on measures to reduce illegal filesharing; and BERR has launched a consultation on the same topic. On the research side, The Work Foundation has published a new report which assesses the economic performance of UK cities. Finally, a report of The Economist Intelligence Unit reveals that Central and Eastern European countries are underperforming in terms of innovation.
Policy
DIUS consultation – A Vision for Science and Society 18-07-08
Seeks views on: how to improve communication and increase participation in science; how to build trust in scientific research in the public and private sectors; and how to inspire young people to become scientists. Closes 17-10-08.
DIUS – £397 million investment for research facilities 14-07-08
Aims to develop large-scale research facilities throughout the UK. The funding is made available through the Government's Large Facilities Capital Fund to provide support for the development of nine multidisciplinary research projects.
DIUS – Draft Apprenticeships Bill 16-07-08
Aims to ensure there are enough apprenticeship places available; outlines the role of the new National Apprenticeship Service (NAS); and under the NAS, brings together a wide range of services currently dispersed. Establishes a statutory basis for the entire apprenticeships programme.
DIUS – Support for Vocational Qualification 23-07-08
Speaking at the first ever Vocational Qualification day, Secretary John Denham confirmed that all eighteen-year-olds will be eligible for a new 'universal offer' of Government support for continued education or training.
DIUS – Launch of London Apprenticeship Taskforce 14-07-08
Aims to expand the numbers of apprenticeship places offered by employers in London. The Taskforce is headed by David Lammy, and will focus on public sector employers and SMEs.
DIUS – Launch of the Britain-Israel Research and Academic Exchange Partnership 21-07-08
Aims to foster academic cooperation between the UK and Israel. The scheme is managed by the British Council, and funded by the Pears Foundation and the United Jewish Israel Appeal with contributions from DIUS and the FCO and Israel's Ministry of Science.
The Conservatives Green Paper – Building Skills, Transforming Lives: A training and apprenticeships revolution 23-07-08
Proposals include £775m to support the provision of apprenticeships; a £100m NEETs fund to support community learning; removing bureaucracy and inspection audits from FE colleges; and a new all-age careers advice service.
British Phonographic Industry – Memorandum of Understanding to reduce illegal file-sharing 24-07-08
BPI, the UK’s six largest internet service providers (BPI, Virgin Media, Sky, Carphone Warehouse, BT, Orange, Tiscali), BERR, and the Motion Pictures Association of America have signed an agreement on measures to help reduce illegal filesharing.
BERR consultation – Consultation on legislative options to address illicit P2P file-sharing 24-07-08
As recommended in the Gowers Review, proposes a co-regulatory approach to facilitate co-operation between Internet Service Providers and rights holders to address the problem of illicit use of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing technology. Closes 30-10-08.
BERR – Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Bill receives Royal Assent 23-07-08
Creates a new body, the Local Better Regulation Office, to provide advice for central government on the way that local authorities regulate. Will also create a provision to ensure regulators do not impose burdens on those they regulate.
HM Treasury – New Financial Services Global Competitiveness Group 14-07-08
In charge of analysing global trends affecting the financial services industry. Will report back to the High Level Group on City Competitiveness in Spring 2009. Chaired jointly by Chancellor Alistair Darling and Citi Chairman, Sir Win Bischoff.
DCLG – First set of Multi-Area Agreements signed 14-07-08
Seven groups of councils and local partners will be given more freedoms from Whitehall in return for pledging a local partnership approach to boost economic growth.
DCLG consultation – Transforming Places: changing lives - a framework for regeneration 17-07-08
Seeks views on three priority outcomes in deprived areas: improved economic performance; improved rates of work and enterprise; and creating sustainable places. Closes 31-10-08.
DoH – Third Sector Investment Programme published 17-07-08
Announces the creation of two new funding schemes for 2009/10, which are now open for applications: the Strategic Partner Programme, and the Innovation, Excellence and Service Development Fund. First stage applications closes on 08-09-08.
HEFCE consultation – A new 'University Challenge': consultation on proposals for new higher education centres 24-07-08
Seeks view on HEFCE’s approach to support the development of new HE centres in the light of the Government's policy framework set out in 'A new University Challenge.’ HEFCE expects to support 20 new centres by 2014. Closes 17 October.
HEFCE – Launch of a Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers 14-07-08
Describes standards, expectations and responsibilities for the proper management and development of academic researchers in universities and HE colleges across the UK. Updates the previous Concordat of 1996.
IUSS Select Committee – New inquiry: scrutiny of the draft apprenticeships bill 16-07-08
The Committee will examine all aspects of the draft bill, and is inviting comments through a consultation. Closes 01-10-08.
Isis Innovation and Central Saint Martins – Collaborate on open innovation 09-07-08
Isis Innovation, the technology commercialisation company for the University of Oxford, and CSM Innovation, the consultancy arm of Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, will work together to help commercialise innovative ideas.
European Commission – Launch of two initiatives in the area of copyright 16-07-08
Proposes to align the copyright term for performers with that applicable to authors, and to harmonise the copyright term that applies to co-written musical composition. The Commission also adopted a Green Paper on Copyright in the Knowledge Economy.
European Commission – Communication on a new industrial property rights strategy for Europe 16-07-08
Announces the creation of a Community patent and integrated patent jurisdiction; effective enforcement against counterfeiting and piracy; high-quality industrial property rights that are accessible to all innovators; and better support for SMEs.
Research
The Work Foundation report – How Can Cities Thrive in the Changing Economy: Ideopolis II Final Report 16-07-08
Provides a league table of the productivity of different cities across the UK that reveals wide and growing disparities. Oxford and Cambridge are the most productive cities in the country. Barnsley and Wigan are falling behind.
Office of the Third Sector - Birmingham University to lead new Third Sector Research Centre 22-07-08
Working in partnership with the University of Southampton, the centre aims to bring about a step change in the quality and quantity of hard evidence available to support the work of third sector organisations.
Audit Commission report – Don't stop me now - Preparing for an ageing population 17-07-08
Argues that the government's strategy for older people hasn't delivered benefits to older people and that councils need to improve the way they provide information in areas such as volunteering, social activities, and transport. Surveyed 49 councils.
Commission for Rural Communities – State of the countryside 2008 report 16-07-08
Reveals a rise in households living in poverty in rural England (around 1 in 5 rural households below the poverty line) and a growing inequality between remote rural areas and other parts of the countryside.
Nef report – Co-production: A Manifesto for growing the core economy 16-07-08
Charts the development of co-production, its growth in the UK, and sets out a ten point plan for ways co-production can reinvigorate the economy and public services.
Ernst & Young report – European Outsourcing Survey 2008 14-07-08
Surveyed 6000 senior decision makers at companies in 6 European countries. Reveals that 70% of the respondents already outsource at least one function of their business, with 20% set to increase their level of outsourcing in the next two years.
Delta Economics report – Social Entrepreneurship in the UK 09-07-08
Finds that in 2007, 35% of all nascent early stage entrepreneurs are social entrepreneurs.
International
Economist Intelligence Unit report – A Time for New Ideas: Innovation in Central Eastern Europe 18-07-08
Reveals that 12 countries in Central and Eastern Europe are underperforming in terms of innovation. Calls for more investment in skills, research and IT infrastructure; less bureaucracy and taxation; and more flexible labour markets.
WTO – World Trade Report 2008: Trade in a globalizing world 18-07-08
Examines the gains from international trade and the challenges arising from higher levels of integration. Considers who the winners and losers are from international trade and what complementary action is needed from policy-makers.