Wider context

Against a continuing background of concerns about the environment, resource and energy pressures, and increasing global competitiveness, a focused strategy for advanced materials innovation and application is increasingly vital.

Such a strategy will sustain high value manufacturing and methods of construction in the UK as well as being needed to help foster the development of a range of new, sustainable, high performance materials and products.

The Technology Strategy Board's strategy for advanced materials continues to build upon the strong foundations of the UK ‘Strategy for Materials', published by the Materials Innovation & Growth Team (IGT), in March 2006. 

It incorporates developments in the strategy and activities of the Technology Strategy Board since that time and in particular, takes account of the recommendations of the recent Sainsbury Report and the Council for Science & Technology Report. 

It presents a holistic, challenge-based, approach for innovative advanced materials development and application, which aims to provide continuity and long-term commitment in key areas and to support the UK as a provider of high value products, processes and services. The strategy is designed to be flexible and sustainable and will be updated on a regular basis.