Our tiny technology needs critical mass

ACCORDING to the Future of Business report, it is the small things which are expected to mean big business for the North East.

Nanotechnology is predicted to become a major industry for Newcastle in the next 20 years as it blossoms into a globally recognised "supercity".

Although two decades may seem a long way off, the foundations are already in place for the emerging sector to flourish in the ashes of our fallen heavy industries.

All that remains now is to build an international reputation of quality in the field, according to a leading expert.

INEX, which is owned by Newcastle University, has a vision to transform the North East into a hub for nano and microtechnology development and has plans to create 70 jobs in Newcastle on the back of rapid growth.

Managing director Ken Snowdon believes it is now critical that the Government continues its support for the fledgling sector.

He said: "The North East hosts four of the 23 Technology Strategy Board-supported micro and nanotechnology centres, which is the highest concentration outside the London area.

"Since 2001 the Government and One North East have provided strong support to establish these world-class centres and the associated industry cluster in the region.

"To strengthen and consolidate our position in this highly competitive European landscape, further support is necessary to help the regional centres achieve critical mass."

Other microtechnology specialists in the region include Orla Protein Technologies, which is a nano-biotechnology firm working with partners as far afield as Japan and has developed technology which could detect and tackle future flu pandemics.