Currently a proposal is being developed to establish a European Research Portal for the United Kingdom, with special emphasis on Eureka project brokering activity, to be integrated with the Knowledge Transfer Network for the Modern Built Environment (MBE KTN), operating as a pilot from July 2007 to December 2008. The Eureka-specific role would involve facilitating project generation (via partner-searching, awareness raising, networking and coordinating events in the UK regions), as part of the new EurekaBuild umbrella initiative. The establishment of a European Research Partnering Portal for the UK (ERPP) will utilise/mesh with the MBE KTN web portal; generating enhanced networking between regional funding bodies (initially two RDAs), technology and business networks to provide greater access for UK industry and research organisations to funding and partners. The ERPP role would include other European RTD funding opportunities such as FP7, CIP and other programmes.
MBE KTN is a national, over-arching network that aims to intensify significantly technological innovation within the modern built environment through improved knowledge transfer. The MBE KTN is delivered by a consortium of BRE, BSRIA, CIRIA and Arup. This proposal sets out ambitious aims that fit the wider objectives for Knowledge Transfer Networks established by DTI. MBE KTN focus is on:
- Providing the most effective means to identify technology-based solutions for UK based businesses working in the built environment to learn about, meet and network with organisations and individuals involved in developing and supplying new and emerging technologies, and vice-versa.
- The specific needs and issues raised by firms in key sectors within the built environment, to improve the volume and rate that new and emerging technologies are adopted in those key sectors.
- Encouraging the interaction of people, knowledge and experience between industry and the knowledge base, by establishing within the KTN a ‘Knowledge Gateway’ to RTOs and academic groups led by URG(B)E
- Ensuring that appropriate new and emerging technologies, from any source, with potential application in the modern built environment sector are presented to clients, designers and specifiers, engineers and constructors in a manner that encourages early adoption.
The broader remit of the MBE KTN fits well with the thematic areas of the strategic research agenda being developed by both the National and European Construction Technology Platforms and with other activities of the network, including other European activities; to develop a powerful web portal; connections with key technology developers and the ability to facilitate project development, means that the KTN can be further strengthened by the addition of the ERPP, benefiting U.K. business in the take up and exploitation of European and third country market opportunities.
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