Technology groups welcome new transport proposals
ADVANCED transport engineering business MIRA has welcomed new proposals to create a transport innovation centre that will help establish the UK as the technology hub of Europe.
MIRA working as part of a Midlands-based consortium which has been trying to develop such a centre, called a Transport Systems Catapult Centre.
Other members of the consortium include intelligent transport systems centre for excellence InnovITS and Coventry University.
All the organisations agreed with the Government’s assessment that Catapult Centres would stimulate economic growth and innovation – giving UK businesses a technological edge in global markets.
Dr George Gillespie, MIRA’s chief executive officer, said: “As the name suggests, Catapult Centres will create a dynamic environment capable of stimulating, developing and then commercialising the outputs of Britain’s world-class research base.
“By combining the best that both business and academia has to offer around a specific sector there is huge potential to tap into lucrative global markets. MIRA believes that we have the necessary expertise in transport technologies to deliver this vision on behalf of the Government.”
The statement builds on the Catapult Centres (formerly known as Technology Innovation Centres) already announced by the Technology Strategy Board – which include sectors such as high value manufacturing and offshore renewable energy. These new centres are aimed at creating a UK-based innovation network capable of driving growth in the economy.
John Latham, deputy vice chancellor for business development at Coventry University added: “The announcement creates an exciting opportunity for the Midlands to cement its position as the UK’s foremost innovator in the automotive and transport sectors.
“Together with MIRA and InnovITS, Coventry University has been advocating – since the announcement of the Catapult Centres by the government – for a transport focussed element to this £200m initiative. We’re thrilled about it and fully supportive of its decision to do so.
“Our efforts will now concentrate on ensuring the Midlands is recognised as a prime location for the new Transport Systems Catapult, and we look forward to the opportunity of working with the TSB and other stakeholders to establish a centre in this critical technology area addressing integrated, efficient and sustainable national transport systems.”
The Government’s intention is to have a Transport Systems Catapult Centre operational by 2013.
InnovITS chief executive Phil Pettit said the deadline was challenging but achievable.
“This commitment is timely in the context of the technological advances happening across the transport sector globally and there is a need to move decisively in order to capitalise on this.
“In order to get the Transport Catapult Centre operational by next year, business, academia and the Government need to work together collaboratively. It can be done but we all need to help make it happen,” he said.
