Innovation UK > News > Innovation News > BIS should co-ordinate nano activity

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) should be responsible for leading and co-ordinating activities across the government to ensure that investment in nanotechnology provides added value for the UK, according The Nanotechnology Mini-Innovation and Growth Team (Mini-IGT), part of the NanoKTN.

This is just one of the recommendations for the future success of nanotechnology in the UK, which the Mini-IGT details in its report  'Nanotechnology: a UK Industry View'.

If this recommendation is implemented, funding can then be directed through the various bodies responsible to the BIS to drive the commercialisation of nanotechnology-based products.

The Mini-IGT also looks at the UK’s position compared to competitors in relation to the funding of nanotechnology. It also considers a strategic approach to the commercialisation of nanotechnology-based products, offering a view of where the UK could be in 2020, assuming that the recommendations are implemented.

Recommendations have been listed under four headings: Policy and Regulation, Funding, Skills, and Engagement. It also recommends that more accessible and commercially-focused funding should be provided for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as larger companies engaged in the development of nanotechnology-based products to support innovation in the UK.

The report details work carried out by the Mini-IGT following Lord Drayson's announcement last year that the UK would develop a nanotechnology strategy. It has been endorsed by a steering and review group comprising 46 leaders from industry, academia, research-and-technology organisations and trade associations.