UK must develop electromagnetic technologies if it wants to remain competitive, finds report
A report commissioned by the UK Communications and E-Commerce Minister Stephen Timms has found that the UK could net nearly 12 billion euro if it were to develop cutting edge electromagnetic technologies. The foresight project 'Exploiting the electromagnetic spectrum' brought together researchers, industry and users to pinpoint 20 fields of electromagnetic technology with potential commercial applications. The report states that although the UK has, since Isaac Newton, been the world leader in this field, it has not succeeded in exploiting the full economic potential of discoveries such as x-rays and MRI scanners for the UK economy. It suggests developing areas such as 'new, non-intrusive medical scanning, advanced security imaging to identify drugs and weapons, and small-scale manufacturing, using lasers.' In a statement, Stephen Timms said: 'The UK has an outstanding scientific track record across the electromagnetic spectrum but we need to get better at exploiting this expertise [...]. Some of the new technologies highlighted in this report could prove revolutionary for areas such as healthcare, security, manufacturing and communications. As our recent Innovation Report showed, it is also essential for the UK to grasp these opportunities to innovate if we want to compete in the tough global economy.' Identifying the opportunities was the first step. A high level group will now take the Foresight project's action plan to the second level. 'Future calls will be proposed for funding applications in the fields of photonics and medical imaging through the DTI's [Department of Trade and Industry] Technology Strategy to support technological innovation. An event for venture capitalists will also communicate the project's findings to potential investors,' explained the DTI in a statement.
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United Kingdom