SPECIAL KTN UPDATE


  

 

Dear bioProcessUK member,

 

I am writing to explain some structural changes which are being made to the overall portfolio of Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs), which includes the bioProcessUK KTN.

 

Effective from 1st August 2009, the bioProcessUK KTN will merge with the Health Technologies KTN to form the HealthTech & Medicines KTN. I would like to explain the reasons for this change and what it means for KTN members.

 

The Technology Strategy Board, which is responsible for the KTN programme, is keen to facilitate more knowledge transfer and collaboration between different technology communities.

 

A 2008 survey of 2,100 KTN users and R&D businesses confirmed the value of the KTNs, with 75% of respondents rating them as effective. Over 50% have developed or are developing new R&D or commercial relationships with people met through a KTN, and 25% have made changes to their innovation activities as a result of their KTN engagement.

 

However, the Technology Strategy Board has identified some overlaps between the currently existing networks as well as some opportunities to bring the UK’s technology communities closer together, to make the networks an even more powerful promoter of innovation. This is the rationale for our merger, which my team and I have welcomed.

 

As the UK’s biological medicines bioprocessing community, we will now be working more closely together with the health technologies communities. We will continue to deliver our existing services and benefits, and you won’t experience any significant changes to your existing relationship with the KTN.

 

You will, however, enjoy access to more events, with new networking opportunities and greater prospects to share expertise and ideas both within our communities and with others.

 

Many of the details of the new KTNs are still being worked out and I will let you know when we have further information.

 

I feel sure that this change, which has been designed to benefit KTN members and their communities, will deliver a stronger range of networks for innovation over the coming years.

 

Please get in touch with me or my team if you have any questions or suggestions.

 

Yours faithfully

 

 

Dr Tony Bradshaw

 

Director
bioProcessUK KTN


For further information please contact Narpal Sihra

 

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