§ Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what feedback she has received from each sectoral innovation and growth team in relation to the impact of regulation on(a) innovation and (b) competiveness in their sectors. [153553]
§ Ms HewittThe aim of any Innovation and Growth Team (IGT) is to identify the key issues which will shape the future of a particular industry and how the UK cart best respond to the competitive challenges which it will face. In view of this, regulation, innovation and competitiveness issues are at the core of all IGTs.
So far, IGTs covering the automotive, chemicals, environmental, aerospace and bioscience sectors have published final reports which have been placed in the Libraries of the House. IGTs covering software/digital content and electronics are still under way. A similar initiative covering the retail sector is due to lead to a final report by the Retail Strategy Group in April 2004.