China-Britain Business Council - Industry Initiatives

CBBC Innovation & Technology Working Group
The CBBC Innovation & Technology Working Group aims to play a major role in leading the promotion and commercialisation of British Science and technology in China and to help British technology-based companies improve their business in China.

Working closely with existing commercial, research and government bodies in both China and the UK, the working group helps to promote contact and dialogue between British businesses and their Chinese counterparts and increase the level of exchange between the research and corporate sector in China and the UK.

Most importantly, its main objective is to turn these exchanges into real business success for British companies.

The call for increased bilateral co-operation between the UK and China in science and technology "with a particular focus on business development" has been a recurring theme in recent speeches by the UK prime minister and deputy prime minister, and the Chinese premier.

The UK Government’s China Task Force selected science and technology as an area for increased collaboration. The establishment of the forum by CBBC is closely aligned with the China Task Force's objectives and with the conclusions of the Lambert Review, which recommended the establishment of a high-level business forum to enhance the exploitation of business innovation in the UK.

There are abundant opportunities to link UK-China science and technology activities to many more businesses, including the large numbers of technology-based British SMEs with China interests.

The Working Group
• Nigel Kerby, Managing Director, Mylnefield Research Services Ltd
• Claire Urry, Deputy Chief Executive, CBBC
• Chris Cotton, Manager - East of England, CBBC
• Nick Stuart, Head – Science & Technology, UK Trade & Investment
• Neil Sampson, Partner, Rosenblatt
• Richard Pascoe, Director, China Policy Institute, Nottingham University

The aim of the working group is to eventually develop a high-level CBBC Innovation & Technology Forum of leading figures from both Chinese and British industry, academia and government.

Businesses in the UK and overseas can now access a web database that offers full details of the very best research underway at universities in the South East of England, that has potential for commercial application.

With twenty-five universities and a range of public sector research establishments in the South East, there is a vast potential to help businesses become more competitive and productive. Up to date contact details for university business teams and technical experts are detailed, so businesses can quickly take their ideas forward.