UK engineering research ‘world leading’
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Engineering research within UK universities is in excellent condition according to a policy paper released from the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB).
The paper, based on the independent analysis of the Research Assessment Exercise, reveals that between 58 and 71% of the R&D taking place in university engineering departments is rated as 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent'. Electrical and electronic engineering was well within these categories, obtaining 59%, with mechanical, aeronautical and manufacturing engineering attaining 62%.
The paper proposed strengthening and developing this research by increasing research credits, encouraging businesses to 'mentor' SMEs and microbusinesses and called for the provision of a financial support mechanism to address the high costs of Intellectual Property Rights protection.
Paul Jackson (pictured), chief executive of the ETB said: "University engineering departments are doing an excellent job laying the foundations for the future economic recovery. Engineering research and the cutting edge products and services it produces are crucial to ensuring the UK keeps pace with the rest of the world."
