Reach for research

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Small companies have the most to gain from applied scientific research but often don't know it, says Colin Mackechnie.

Scientific research, when applied correctly to commercial problems, can help cut costs, increase yield, remove uncertainty and reduce waste. The government supports one of the world's best national programmes for research through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It also recognises the need to convert research into industrial impact so it offers ways for small businesses to access world-leading facilities and expertise.

However, more small companies could take advantage of these opportunities.

Few understand the benefits of applied science and even fewer know how and where to access expertise. A recent study by the Federation of Small

Businesses showed that less than 4 per cent of small firms had used a government-funded business support service.

It is critical that more is done to highlight the role of UK facilities and capabilities, the ways to access them and the small businesses that have approached national research institutions with problems and found answers.

Many more of the UK's four million SMEs must take advantage of public-funded science or their ability to support economic growth will be limited.

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