Innovation Platforms

Governments exist to address the challenges that face society. They even structure (and constantly restructure) themselves to address sets of different challenges.

All challenges require a novel approach, but it is often true that the bigger the challenge, the more innovative the solution has to be.

It should not be any surprise, therefore, that the Technology Strategy Board, with its focus on innovation, is using the challenges facing today's society to drive innovative activity in UK businesses.

In late 2005, the Technology Strategy Board announced its first Innovation Platforms.

The concept was to pull together policy, business, government procurement and research perspectives and resources to generate innovative solutions to these kinds of problems and make a real difference.

The first two pilots focused on how to develop a more efficient transport system, and how to guarantee personal security in the new Internet age. Under the titles of Intelligent Transport Systems and Services and Network Security, they involve the Technology Strategy Board working with the Department for Transport and the Home Office respectively to address these two important underlying challenges facing modern society.

More recently, the Technology Strategy Board has announced three more Innovation Platforms - Low Carbon Vehicles, Assisted Living and Low Impact Buildings - each again addressing a specific societal challenge.

By addressing these challenges now, and harnessing the innovative capabilities of UK businesses, we will not only solve the problems for the UK, but also give businesses based here a strong advantage in addressing these same challenges in the other countries - which would then be export markets.

Tackling these big issues is a complex business but real progress has to be made - and it can be, given a sharp focus, a clear will, and a catalyst such as the Technology Strategy Board.