31 March 2011
George Freeman calls on the Government to ensure that our leading research institutes link up with industry so that science is focused on the three biggest markets: food, energy and medicine.
George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): What steps he is taking to support the commercial development of life sciences through industry partnerships. [49974]
The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Mr Mark Prisk): The Budget included a plan for growth for life sciences, including the development of a new technology innovation centre, the speeding up and reforming of clinical trials and the establishment of research partnerships to support the new model of open innovation and collaboration in the industry.
George Freeman: I thank the Minister for his reply and congratulate him on his commitment to business. Last week's Budget set out a clear strategy for growth based on science, innovation and enterprise, particularly in my area, the biotech corridor between Cambridge and Norwich. Does he agree that the challenge is to ensure that our leading research institutes link up with industry so that our science is driven around the world in the three biggest markets: food, energy and medicine?
Mr Prisk: My hon. Friend is an outstanding champion in this field, and I was pleased that we were able to support Norwich research park in that context, for which he has fought and argued for many months. Our plan is about accelerating innovation, investing in the way collaboration takes place and ensuring that we retain this country's world-class role in life sciences and biotechnology.
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George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): What steps he is taking to support the commercial development of life sciences through industry partnerships. [49974]
The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Mr Mark Prisk): The Budget included a plan for growth for life sciences, including the development of a new technology innovation centre, the speeding up and reforming of clinical trials and the establishment of research partnerships to support the new model of open innovation and collaboration in the industry.
George Freeman: I thank the Minister for his reply and congratulate him on his commitment to business. Last week's Budget set out a clear strategy for growth based on science, innovation and enterprise, particularly in my area, the biotech corridor between Cambridge and Norwich. Does he agree that the challenge is to ensure that our leading research institutes link up with industry so that our science is driven around the world in the three biggest markets: food, energy and medicine?
Mr Prisk: My hon. Friend is an outstanding champion in this field, and I was pleased that we were able to support Norwich research park in that context, for which he has fought and argued for many months. Our plan is about accelerating innovation, investing in the way collaboration takes place and ensuring that we retain this country's world-class role in life sciences and biotechnology.
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