A leading light in innovation
TEESSIDE is a beacon for innovation and collaborative working, according to a Government technology chief.
Iain Gray, head of the Government’s new Technology Strategy Board, which has £1bn to spend over the next three years on what he described as “challenge-led” solutions to technology problems, praised the work of the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) in particular, following a visit to the Wilton site.
“CPI is a fabulous example of a regional approach, which aligns very closely to what we are trying to do from a national point of view,” said Mr Gray. “Where previously it’s been technology searching for a application, we are looking at what the key challenges are, whether it be climate change, assisted living or transport. It’s a big shift in philosophy.”
He said as the economy slowed, investment in innovation became even more important.
“We do live in difficult times, but my view is that more than ever this is when we need to hold our nerve about innovation. At the heart of innovation is doing things differently and how we respond to challenges in a different way. I recognise there are investment decisions, which make it more difficult but it’s a commitment from Government and the regional authorities more than ever to find new ways of overcoming the challenges. Certainly, from a Government point of view, we have £1bn of investment to make over three years.”
He said the Board would support Teesside in promoting the skills agenda.
“If you can find the right ways of communicating some of the successes that are going on at the CPI and elsewhere, young children and teachers can make the association with the excitement of technology-based careers.
“Two recurring themes of my visit were that both in terms of geography and industry sectors, Teesside has gone through some really difficult times and they have responded with really imaginative ways of working.”
