The 2008-09 Annual Report of the Industrial Mathematics KTN was launched at Innovate 2009 in October.

Mathematics has an underpinning role in stimulating innovation. Through modelling, simulation and analysis, it adds value in product design, operations and business strategy. The UK has a world-leading capability in industrial mathematics research, established over several decades, and the Industrial Mathematics KTN plays a crucial role in creating the critical mass of connections that catalyse its exploitation. The mathematical way of thinking highlights similarities between apparently diverse challenges and so opens the way to exploiting techniques that are already established in other application domains. The Industrial Mathematics KTN harnesses this power and versatility, to accelerate business innovation and deliver results in ways that can be rapidly put to commercial use.

The network’s strategic direction for the next three years has recently been finalised. The KTN will continue to place an emphasis on novel, high tempo mechanisms for engagement and collaboration that are easily accessible by companies of all sizes. A particularly exciting development is the current rapid expansion of our programme of internships in industrial mathematics. We are working with the Technology Strategy Board and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to ensure that this type of engagement becomes a permanent feature of the innovation landscape by bringing it into the programme of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. In three years from now, we envisage establishing over 100 projects of this type annually. In other areas, we are working with national and international partners in shaping European policies for the future of industrial mathematics. We are creating closer working relationships with other KTNs and with the Technology Strategy Board’s Innovation Platforms. We are also developing targeted activities through partnership engagements with national centres of excellence in mathematics research, Research Councils and Government Departments.

The Annual Report contains snapshots of recent activity in various areas of KTN activity, and a look forward to the ways in which you can engage in future with the Industrial Mathematics KTN. We hope that you will be inspired to contact us. A hard copy of the Annual Report is available from Gillian Hoyle.