It is now becoming clear how the new Technology Strategy Board (TSB) will operate as an arm’s length body. Modelling and simulation (the technologies that embody the implementation of industrial mathematics) are recognised as important underpinning technologies and the new TSB structure should present significant opportunities for development of the Industrial Mathematics KTN in new directions.
The Technology Strategy Board (TSB), which from now on will have direct responsibility for KTNs, began operation as a Non-Departmental Public Body (i.e. with a similar relation to government as the Research Councils) on 2 July.
The TSB reports into the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS). The new TSB has the following objectives:
- Promote and support research into, and development and exploitation of, science and technology for business benefit for economic growth and quality of life.
- Deliver a programme of financial support to encourage business investment in, and use of, technology across all sectors in UK.
- Provide leadership to Government Departments and Agencies and work with RDAs, DAs and the Research Councils on technological developments and innovation of importance to UK industry.
- Advise Government on areas where barriers exist to the exploitation of new technologies and put forward recommendations as to how they can be removed.
The newly-appointed board members are:
- Graham Spittle (VP Worldwide Integration Development, IBM) – Chairman
- Graeme Armstrong (SVP Technology, ICI)
- John Brown (portfolio of nonexecutive Directorships)
- Nick Buckland (Deputy Chairman, SWERDA)
- Joseph Feczko (SVP and Chief Medical Officer, Pfizer)
- Anne Glover (CEO, Amadeus Capital Partners)
- David Grant (VC, Cardiff University)
- Jonathan Kestenbaum (Chief Executive, NESTA)
- Julia King (VC, Aston University)
- Andrew Milligan (Head of Global Strategy, Standard Life Investments)
- Peter Ringrose (Chairman, BBSRC)
- Jeremy Watson (Director of Global Research, Arup)