Funding the future

Brake pads produced from environmentally friendly materials and orthopaedic implants fabricated from shape memory polymers are just two of the new technologies being sponsored by the government's Technology Strategy Board.

The group has announced £20m of government support for new research and development projects designed to help British manufacturers stay ahead of international competition.

Commenting on the decision to invest in the projects, science and innovation minister, Ian Pearson, said: 'Manufacturing is a vital sector of the UK economy, accounting for over 50 per cent of our exports, and the UK is the world’s sixth biggest manufacturer. Given the UK’s high-wage economy, future productivity and global competitiveness depend upon our ability to develop high-quality, clever technology and products. Major investment in innovative research and development, such as the £20m announced today, will enable us to maintain and improve the quality of the UK’s manufacturing capability in key areas such as aerospace, healthcare, energy and recycling.'