The UK is planning a national network of technology and innovation centres, to be established and overseen by the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), that will work with universities and businesses to help commercialise the results of research in specific technology areas where there are potential multi-billion pound global markets. As part of this scheme, the government has invited organisations to register their interest in forming a centre focused on the area of high-value manufacturing.

The TSB has published a prospectus to fast-track the creation of the high-value manufacturing centre and outlining plans for a network of six to eight other world-leading centres. It is calling for business, academic and other groups to comment on the proposals and help shape the centres. The Board has received £200m of funding for the centres, which could also cover areas such as energy efficiency, transport and electrical systems.

Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg describes the programme as “a key part of our strategy to rebalance the economy. We have so much potential here in Britain; now is the time to harness it and build the stable, prosperous economy we want.”