Exploiting the electromagnetic spectrum: Action Plan
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Introduction
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 Exploiting the electromagnetic spectrum project forms part of a much wider effort
across government to improve innovation and ensure that the UK captures more of these
opportunities in the future.
The project aims were to identify key areas of long-term opportunity across the spectrum, assess
these against UK capabilities and agree a plan of action to help the UK exploit these areas.
This Action Plan details the activities that have been agreed to take forward the findings of the
project. To be effective the plan needs to be a dynamic document subject to regular review. A
group of key stakeholders, chaired by Stephen Timms MP, will meetin a year's time to review
progress.
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ACTIVITY
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OWNER
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COMPLETION DATE
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| informing R&D |
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innovation Group, KBT will be proposing Calls in both Photonics and Medical imaging
under the DTI's new Technology Programme in 2004/05.
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pat McDonald, DTI KBT
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mid 2005
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The MoD will continue to monitor the metamaterials area for its interests and is considering
the opportunities for funding research in metamaterials under the Joint Grant Scheme.
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Andrew Baird, MoD
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Mid 2005
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Foresight will be presenting the findings of the project to the RDA/RCUK steering committee
on 26 July, to help inform their strategies for investment in research.
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Frank Watson, Foresight
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July 2004
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Foresight are meeting EU Commission officials responsible for EU FP6 and FP7 on 15 July to
brief them on the project's findings.
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Frank Watson, Foresight
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End 2004
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| establishing links between business, investors and
researchers |
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The Institute of Physics (IoP) and LibraryHouse have agreed to hold a conference to
foster connections between the investment community and the EEMS science and technology
communities at the IoP on 16 September. It will be followed by a series of more focussed
dinner meetings.
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Frank Watson, Foresight
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Early 2005
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The project's findings and actions will be communicated to the wider business community
through Foresight's sponsorship of the 'Opticks 2004' conference that IoP are
holding on 9 December to mark the 300th anniversary of the publication of Isaac
Newton's seminal work on the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The event will
be opened by Lord Sainsbury and features a high profile list of speakers.
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Frank Watson, Foresight
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End 2004
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| strengthening communities of interest |
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The DTI Electronics team has initiated a Photonics Strategy Group that will draw from
EEMS to develop an action plan to exploit this sector, and is working with IG towards
establishing a national Photonics network along the lines of the successful Fuel Cells
initiative.
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Peter Batchelor, DTI BR and Allan Mayo, DTI KBT
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End 2004
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Foresight will continue to foster the development of proposals for funding in the medical
imaging sector by coordinating a workshop to focus specifically on smart contrast agents.
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Frank Watson, Foresight
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Mid 2005
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NPL are supporting development of a network in Coherent x-rays (one of the non-selected
topics from the EEMS shortlist) through supporting anetwork and running workshops. For
further details see
http://www.npl.co.uk/quantum/foresight.html |
Jeff Flowers, NPL
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End 2004
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| informing government and other agencies |
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A tutorial session with the team from Manchester Business School who developed the
EEMS real options model was held on 29 June. DTI economists will be conducting a review of
economic evaluation methods.
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Frank Watson, Foresight
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End 2004
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| establishing best practice |
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Foresight will incorporate the learning from the project into Foresight's best
practice guide, and ensure that relevant information is made available to others.
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Frank Watson, Foresight
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Done
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| evaluation |
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Stephen Timms will chair a Stakeholder Group meeting in Q1 2005/6 to review progress.
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Pat McDonald, DTI KBT
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July 2005
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Foresight will track the impact of the project after one year (2005) and three years (2007).
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Frank Watson /Karl Cunion, Foresight
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Mid 2007
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