Technology Foresight Programme (Hansard, 25 October 1995)

§ Mr. Sheerman
To ask the President of the Board of Trade what collaborative projects with industry the technology foresight programme has identified for funding. [38908]

§ Mr. Ian Taylor
The technology foresight programme has produced 16 reports. These contain some 400 recommendations, many of which might be addressed by collaborative projects between academia and industry. Some of these priorities can be taken forward in more than one collaborative project—for example, the foresight vehicle priority of the transport foresight panel is being reflected in 15 collaborative project themes. Some collaborative projects identified in the foresight 693W programme are already being taken forward through the Link mechanism—see the table. The foresight challenge, which was launched in September 1995, is expected to

How foresight is being taken forward through Link

New Link programmes

Programme Announced Sponsors Description

Applied Biocatalysis March 1995 BBSRC/DTI The programme aims to facilitate the broader application of biocatalysis in UK industry by supporting research to improve both the understanding and the usability of biocatalytic processes.

Waste Minimisation through Recycling, Re-use and Recovery in Industry May 1995 EPSRC/DTI The programme aims to develop and implement cost effective technologies for recycling, re-use and recovery of materials within the manufacturing and process industries, thereby reducing waste and input and disposal costs.

Integrated Approaches to Healthy Ageing August 1995 MRC The programme aims to improve understanding of psychological, physiological and social factors affecting good or ill health in old age. It also aims to develop new ways of supporting healthy ageing and independent living, and to develop new approaches to the prevention, management and rehabilitation of disorders affecting the elderly.

Genetic and Environmental interactions in Health August 1995 MRC The programme aims to develop collaborations between academia and industry in genetics, molecular/genetic epidemiology, pharmacogenetics and complementary disciplines and technologies.

Earth Observation August 1995 BNSC/DTI/ NERC/DoE The programme aims to support innovative pre-competitive earth observation applications research on a collaborative basis targeted on end user needs emerging from Foresight.

Boosts to existing LINK programmes

Programme Boost announced Sponsors Description

Hydrocarbon Reservoirs June 1995 DTI/NERC Additional funds are being allocated to research directed at more accurate identification and assessment of new oil and gas fields; and technological improvements to increase yields from existing oil and gas fields.

Surface Engineering July 1995 EPSR/DTI The programme supports collaborative research into new and improved surface treatment and coating systems and their associated process technologies. Additional funds are being allocated to new projects that address relevant Foresight priorities.

§ Mr. Sheerman
To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking to ensure that funding for existing research projects is not diverted to new research projects under the technology foresight programme. [38911]

§ Mr. Ian Taylor
Research council and departmental funds for existing projects have not been diverted in response to foresight. The foresight challenge provides extra funds for projects which take forward foresight priorities. New research projects in the public and private sectors may take account of foresight findings as existing projects are concluded.

How foresight is being taken forward through Link
New Link programmes
Programme	Announced	Sponsors	Description
Applied Biocatalysis	March 1995	BBSRC/DTI	The programme aims to facilitate the broader application of biocatalysis in UK industry by supporting research to improve both the understanding and the usability of biocatalytic processes.
Waste Minimisation through Recycling, Re-use and Recovery in Industry	May 1995	EPSRC/DTI	The programme aims to develop and implement cost effective technologies for recycling, re-use and recovery of materials within the manufacturing and process industries, thereby reducing waste and input and disposal costs.
Integrated Approaches to Healthy Ageing	August 1995	MRC	The programme aims to improve understanding of psychological, physiological and social factors affecting good or ill health in old age. It also aims to develop new ways of supporting healthy ageing and independent living, and to develop new approaches to the prevention, management and rehabilitation of disorders affecting the elderly.
Genetic and Environmental interactions in Health	August 1995	MRC	The programme aims to develop collaborations between academia and industry in genetics, molecular/genetic epidemiology, pharmacogenetics and complementary disciplines and technologies.
Earth Observation	August 1995	BNSC/DTI/ NERC/DoE	The programme aims to support innovative pre-competitive earth observation applications research on a collaborative basis targeted on end user needs emerging from Foresight.

Boosts to existing LINK programmes
Programme	Boost announced	Sponsors	Description
Hydrocarbon Reservoirs	June 1995	DTI/NERC	Additional funds are being allocated to research directed at more accurate identification and assessment of new oil and gas fields; and technological improvements to increase yields from existing oil and gas fields.
Surface Engineering	July 1995	EPSR/DTI	The programme supports collaborative research into new and improved surface treatment and coating systems and their associated process technologies. Additional funds are being allocated to new projects that address relevant Foresight priorities.