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The Development of Science and Industry Councils in the UK

Science and Industry Councils (SICs) provide Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) with a mechanism to engage with and promote their knowledge base for the benefit of their local economies. Made up of senior representatives from industry, academia and the public-sector, they provide support and leadership at a regional level while advising on, and influencing, national policy.

1998

The Regional Development Agencies Act 1998 requires the eight established UK RDAs to develop a strategic vision to ensure that regional opportunities are fully exploited for the benefit of their local economies.

2000

The London Development Agency is established. The LDA is answerable to the Mayor of London who directs its Economic Development Strategy (EDS).

2001

The Northwest Science Council is formed as part of the Northwest Development Agency and brings together business, university and science partners in the region. Through this Council England's first Regional Science Strategy is launched in the House of Commons in 2002.
The Northeast Science and Industry Council is established through One NorthEast. The Council oversees the delivery of the Strategy for Success Programme which focuses on areas of industry where the region has particular strengths.

2003

The London Development Agency (LDA) establishes London's first SIC to provide advice on its Innovation and Knowledge Transfer initiatives
The South East of England Science Engineering and Technology Advisory Council (SESETAC) is launched to promote innovation and entrepreneurship and enable the translation of emerging technologies into new business activities.
YorkShire Forward launches Futures Forum to identify and define future research initiatives to build on the capacities of the universities in the region. The Forum has acted as a front runner to Yorkshire Science, the Science and Innovation Council for Yorkshire and Humber.
The DTI's Innovation Report (2003) and the Lambert Review of Business University Collaboration (2003) proposes that every RDA should establish an SIC by 2005.

2004

Advantage West Midlands launches the Innovation and Technology Council (ITC) to provide effective business and academic leadership to technological innovation in the region.
The DTI's 10 year Science and Innovation Framework (2004-2014) is published, which recognises the link between long term competitiveness and investment in R&D. The framework outlines the Government's commitment to building the UK's capacity to innovate and create wealth for the future through investing with private sector partners in the country's research base.
The South West Regional Development Agency launches the South West Science and Industry Council (SWSIC) to increase the productivity of businesses in the region through more effective use of science and technology.
The East Midlands Development Agency establishes Innovation East Midlands. to advise on regional investment in the innovation, technology and science base.

2005

The East of England Development Agency launches East of England Science and Industry Council. providing guidance on innovation and science initiatives to the region's key stakeholders
The Mayor of London launches Catalyst, the LDA's new SIC to shape the future of the city's science, technology and design base and the role it plays in the capital's economic development.

2007

November 2007: The Race to the Top - Lord Sainsbury's review of Government's Science & Innovation Policies was endorsed by the CSR. It's recommendations included ensuring that the Technology Strategy Board worked with every Science & Industry Council to inform its future strategy and develop the associated regional innovation prospectus