Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what the status is of the Eight Great Technologies; what progress has been made on the commercialisation and development of those technologies; and what recent steps the Government has taken to support that progress.

Emerging technologies have the potential to deliver productivity gains to a variety of sectors and enhance quality of life. In 2012, the Government identified “8 Great Technologies” – including regenerative medicine, big data and advanced materials - to highlight key emerging areas for the UK and increased investment by £600 million to accelerate their application and commercialisation.

But new technologies continue to be developed and the 8 Great list is neither exclusive nor exhaustive. This is why we continue to work with partners to review emerging technologies in important areas in which the UK excels both within and beyond this list. For example, we have invested more than £100 million across the country for research and infrastructure in graphene as an advanced material; and £270 million in quantum technologies.

Through Innovate UK, the Government is supporting business innovation and we have established a network of elite Catapult Centres to commercialise new and emerging technologies in areas where there are large global market opportunities and a critical mass of UK capability.

In addition, BSI, the UK’s National Standard Body, has worked with Innovate UK to publish new standards in areas of technology where innovative UK companies can gain a commercial advantage.