Exploiting the Electromagnetic Spectrum (March 2003 - April 2004)
About the project:
The electromagnetic spectrum, from radio frequencies through optical to x-ray, encompasses much adventurous scientific research and is the basis for a wide range of vitally important technologies that have applications in areas as diverse as communications, health and security. The UK has a long history of world-leading research across the spectrum but in the past has not always moved from invention to innovation to reap the commercial rewards from its discoveries.
The Foresight project on Exploiting the Electromagnetic Spectrum launched its findings on 20th April 2004. This project provided a vision for the future exploitation of the electromagnetic spectrum to ensure increased UK innovation in selected areas.
David Hughes, Director General Innovation Group in the Department of Trade & Industry was the project director, and Communications and E-commerce Minister Stephen Timms sponsored the project.
Project aims
The aims of the project were to:
- identify key areas of long-term opportunity across the electromagnetic spectrum
- assess these against UK capabilities and,
- agree a plan of action to help the UK exploit these areas
Outputs
Final Reports
The project selected four 'growth point' topics that combined scientific excitement and promise with the potential to have a major impact on wealth creation. Topics needed to be relatively 'far-out' (10-20 years), innovative, of major potential economic significance, able to be exploited by the UK and, when taken together, form a balanced portfolio within the project. Those selected were:
- All-optical data handling
- Photonics at the molecular level
- Electromagnetics in the near field
- Non-intrusive imaging
We produced state of the science reviews for each topic. The reviews look at new technological advances, assess their likely impacts over the next 10-20 years and consider the UK's relative strengths in these areas.
Current Status
The one year review of the project was published in November 2005.
Continued monitoring of the project outcomes will be necessary to determine the long term impact of the EEMS project. We expect to review this impact in 2008.
Contact
Foresightweb@dius.gsi.gov.uk