§ John AustinTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to implement Recommendation 6.2 of the Lambert Review of Business University collaboration; and if he will make a statement. [174184]
§ John HealeyThe final report of the Lambert Review, an independent review of business-university collaboration, was published in December 2003 and made a series of recommendations aimed at improving the links between the UK's strong science base and the business community. The Government are strongly supportive of the analysis in the report and recognise the importance of this policy agenda.
The Government believe that Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) are well-placed to promote business-university collaboration but recognise that they need capacity and links to national programmes to do this effectively. The RDAs also have a role to play in facilitating cross-regional collaborative activity.
The Government intend to develop the main policy reforms put forward in the Lambert Review in the context of the 10-year investment framework on science and innovation. The Government's final response to the Lambert Review will be published this summer as part of this 10-year investment framework.