The Science and Technology Select Committee, chaired by Andrew Miller MP, is launching an inquiry on the commercialisation of scientific research.
The new inquiry, Bridging the “valley of death” – improving the commercialisation of research, will investigate how the Government and other organisations can improve the commercialisation of research.
The committee is inviting written submissions by noon on Wednesday 8 February 2012 on a range of questions:
- What are the difficulties of funding the commercialisation of research, and how can they be overcome?
- Are there specific science and engineering sectors where it is particularly difficult to commercialise research? Are there common difficulties and common solutions across sectors?
- What, if any, examples are there of UK-based research having to be transferred outside the UK for commercialisation? Why did this occur?
- What evidence is there that Government and Technology Strategy Board initiatives to date have improved the commercialisation of research?
- What impact will the Government’s innovation, research and growth strategies have on bridging the valley of death?
- Should the UK seek to encourage more private equity investment (including venture capital and angel investment) into science and engineering sectors and if so, how can this be achieved?
- What other types of investment or support should the Government develop?
Submitting written evidence:
The Committee invites written submissions on these issues by noon on Wednesday 8 February 2012.
Each submission should:
a) be no more than 3,000 words in length;
b) be in Word format with as little use of colour or logos as possible;
c) have numbered paragraphs; and
d) include a declaration of interests.
A copy of the submission should be sent by e-mail to [email protected] and marked – Bridging the “valley of death”.
The Manufacturer will also be making a comprehensive submission. Should you wish to make a short submission on any of the topics, please feel free to leave them as comments below.
