APPENDIX 17
Memorandum submitted by the Office of
Science and Innovation
FOLLOW UP TO SIR DAVID KING'S ORAL EVIDENCE
TO THE INQUIRY INTO TRADE AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITH MERCOSUR
MONDAY 5 MARCH 2007
1. During Sir David King's appearance before
the Trade and Industry Select Committee on 5 March, the Committee
asked for further information on the UKTI initiatives related
to research and development. There was particular interest in
the marketing strategy being developed in Lifesciences and the
involvement of the Office of Science and Innovation (OSI) in this.
2. UKTI is engaged in developing integrated
trade and investment international marketing strategies for key
sectors on behalf of the UK. The key sectors to be covered are
Financial Services, ICT, Lifesciences, Creative Industries and
Energy. These strategies and the implementation of their recommendations
will enable UKTI and key stakeholders, including academia, Department
of Health, DTI, OSI, cluster organisations and FCO overseas posts,
to deliver significant outcomes in terms of high quality inward
investment, improved business performance and internationalisation
by UK-based firms and will enhance the perception of the UK economy,
and importantly the UK strengths of the sectors in the global
marketplace.
3. The strategy for Lifesciences, which
includes biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and the healthcare industries,
is expected to be launched in September. A process of wide consultation
with stakeholders and other government departments is now ongoing.
The OSI has been involved in this process; providing input to
the consultation survey being undertaken to inform development
of the strategy. UKTI is also a key member of the Global Science
and Innovation Forum (GSIF) and works within this forum with OSI
to exchange information on ongoing activities and ensure the GSIF
membership is appropriately engaged in that activity.
March 2007
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