Government announces £240m investment in measurement
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UK manufacturing and research are set to benefit from a £240m investment in measurement science announced by the government today.
The money will be delivered over the next four years with the aim of improving measurement techniques and technologies in ways that could stimulate new products, processes and services.
For example, better measurement could support the development and prove the claims of low-carbon and energy-generation technologies, increasing the speed at which they reach the market.
Science minister David Willetts announced the investment as part of the business department’s National Measurement System (NMS) strategy, unveiled today at the Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition.
He said: ‘Investment in the NMS will be focused on sectors where the UK is strong, or has the potential to be strong in international markets, and where advances in measurement science can support that strong position.’
These sectors include energy, health, manufacturing, digital industries, sustainability and security.
Particular areas of focus include providing the infrastructure for next-generation communication systems such as smart energy meters; enabling new medical therapies and diagnostic technologies to be brought to market quickly; and helping the UK meet carbon reduction targets by verifying reductions.
The strategy will be led by the National Measurement Office and delivered through the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), and diagnostic companies LGC and NEL.
Dr Brian Bowsher, managing director at the NPL, said: ‘Advances in measurement have lead to innovations such as high-speed digital communications, GPS and satellite technology.
‘Measurement helps contribute billions of pounds to the UK and global economies every year. The ongoing commitment of the government to measurement will ensure the UK remains a world-leading centre of science, business and innovation.’
Willetts added: ‘Through the strategy for the NMS, the national investment in measurement science will be exploited to the benefit of UK business and the citizen, to generate new knowledge, promote growth and innovation, and address key societal challenges.’
