Nanotechnologies - tiny devices and systems on a nanoscale - are developing so fast that regulation has been struggling to keep up. In recent years there have been growing fears about the potential risks to human health and the environment from nanotechnology.
The UK Government established Sure Start in 1999 to provide integrated early years services primarily targeted on disadvantaged groups. One of its main architects, Norman Glass of HM Treasury, described it as "an outstanding example of evidence-based policy."
Homeless people with complex support needs – such as mental health and/or drug/alcohol problems – have become a policy priority in the UK because they are disproportionately ‘failed by’ or ‘resistant to’ existing interventions.
This Knowledge Transfer Partnership project helped Dr Foster Intelligence to assess the best way to visualise complex health data on maps - leading to the development of the cutting-edge web application Population Health Manager.
A new tool assessing the quality of team-related behaviours of the core members of an operating theatre team has been mandated for national use by the National Patient Safety Agency and implemented in several other countries.
Innovation in the UK is not restricted to high-tech and pharmaceutical industries. Right across the country, innovation is turning up in unexpected places and firms. Also, innovation is not just about new products; it is seen in fresh approaches to services, business processes and methods.
In this Knowledge Transfer Partnership, Anchor Trust collaborated with the University of Sheffield to identify best practice to recruit and retain care staff working in nursing and residential homes.
A KTP partnership facilitating the development of the Barrow Trust School Pathfinder, attracting additional funding predicted to amount to £30 million, and leading to recognition as an educational change innovator.
A KTP Partnership based at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust established training practices for junior doctors and spearheaded the local Medical Workforce Skills Mix Analysis group - leading to a successful bid for £106k from the Strategic Change Fund.
A situational business analysis and change programme boosted SOG Ltd business tenancies, generated new business amounting to over £54k, and improved tenant communication.