Submissions wanted for inquiry on the commercialisation of research

Posted on 3 Jan 2012 by Tim Brown

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.