SBAC to manage KTN

The Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) was this week chosen by the Technology Strategy Board to manage an Aerospace and Defence Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN).

KTNs are national networks of technical experts that are designed to improve innovation in the UK by increasing and accelerating knowledge transfer of technology into UK-based businesses.

‘A strong and successful KTN will help industry maximise its competitiveness by promoting collaboration and innovation around the themes and priorities in the National Aerospace Technology Strategy (NATS) and Defence Technology Strategy,’ said Ian Godden, SBAC chief executive.

Priorities for the new Aerospace and Defence KTN will include the delivery of improved industrial performance through innovation and new collaboration, maximising the impact of new research and technology.

The KTN also aims to make the UK a more globally competitive environment for investment in aerospace and defence research and technology. Currently, the UK has the world’s largest aerospace industry outside the USA. UK-based aerospace activity had a turnover of more than £20bn in 2006, supporting a workforce of over 276,000 people.