IMechE Engineering Innovation Reception
Malcolm Wicks MP, Minister of State for Energy
IMechE, 25 April 2007
Mechanical Engineering is important. It impacts on everything, from where we live, how we get to work, how we work, how we stay healthy, and how our environment stays healthy.
The phrase “nothing moves without mechanical engineering” isn’t far from the mark!
This year, for the first time, National Science Week became National Science and Engineering week.
I congratulate ImechE on its huge contribution. A large number of IMechE members organised regional events during the week. Reports suggest it was a huge success – during the week 413 event names included the word ‘engineering’; five times as many as in 2006.
IMechE’s focus on four primary themes of Energy, Environment, Transport and Education, tie in well with what we, in the DTI, think is important to an innovative economy.
We are working across government to ensure that Public Sector Procurement, worth over £125 Bn a year, stimulates innovation in both buyer and supplier.
Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) are working at a local level to address challenges in commercialisation, knowledge transfer, promotion of innovation, the creation of networks, and improvements in skills. Business led Science and Industry Councils have been set up in each region to guide this.
Research Councils have published ambitious plans to increase the economic impact of their investments.
In addition to the oft-quoted growth in spin out companies, the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) has also led to a wider culture change in Universities’ innovation activity.
We are increasing the opportunities for knowledge transfer and collaboration:
Innovation Platforms, developed by the DTI’s business-led Technology Strategy Board, are getting Business, Academia and Government together to generate more innovative solutions to major challenges such as network security and intelligent transport systems.
New platforms are being planned, looking at: low impact building, low carbon vehicles and assisted living.
Interested to see that IMechE recognise that knowledge and skills are about more than just qualifications. I wish them well in their endeavour to open up membership to Engineering Technicians (approx NVQ level 3). This support will help professionalise and raise standards amongst this important group.
Like you, we take skills issues very seriously and we will continue to work closely with DfES and key stakeholders, including IMechE, to ensure that the UK maintains competitive advantage through a dynamic knowledge based global economy.