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Industry News
DH: The government recently announced an acceleration of the dismantling of the National Programme for IT, following the conclusions of a new review by the Cabinet Office’s Major Projects Authority (MPA). The programme was created in 2002 under the last government and the MPA has concluded that it is not fit to provide the modern IT services that the NHS needs.
The MPA found that there have been substantial achievements which are now firmly established, such as the Spine, N3 Network, NHSmail, Choose and Book, Secondary Uses Service & Picture Archiving and Communications Service.
Their delivery accounts for around two thirds of the £6.4bn money spent so far and they will continue to provide vital support to the NHS. However, the review reported the National Programme for IT has not & cannot deliver to its original intent.
A new partnership with Intellect, the Technology Trade Association, will explore ways to stimulate a marketplace that will no longer exclude SME companies from participating in significant government healthcare projects.
Press release & links
ScotGov: A £35m fund to support production of new offshore wind technology in was unveiled at the opening of the second Scottish Low Carbon Investment Conference in
And he welcomed the publication by Scottish Enterprise of a new Offshore Wind guide - which emerged following last year's inaugural SLCI conference - indicating that Scotland
Press release & links
WAG: Welsh food & drink producers are preparing for the biggest international food & drink trade event of the year - Anuga, which takes place in Germany
The event’s location is of great importance to the Welsh companies exhibiting, as exports to grew by 20% during the first half of 2010, and account for some £392m of business, making the fourth largest export market for food & drink companies.
Press release & links ~ Anuga
ScotGov: A new £12.5m centre to develop next-generation offshore wind technology in
Press release & links
BIS: A £760,000 competition to support & improve the way in which universities can maximise innovation has been launched by Intellectual Property Minister, Baroness Wilcox. The Fast Forward Competition encourages Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Public Sector Research Establishments (PSREs) to work together with businesses & local communities to share research, innovation & intellectual property (IP).
Applicants can bid for funding ranging from £10,000 to £100,000 for proposals that will improve the way in which their intellectual property and knowledge exchange is managed. The closing date for competition proposals to be received is 30 December 2011.
Press release & links ~ 2012 Fast Forward Competition
CLG: A new £4.3m low carbon project (Aim High project) has been launched in the West Midlands set to help over 120 local building businesses learn & and take forward business opportunities using innovative technologies. Over 345 pre-war & Victorian houses will be refurbished to demonstrate the benefits of installing environmental technologies, and put to the test by local residents who will live & benefit from the energy efficient housing driving up demand and creating further opportunities for local businesses.
