Improving Innovation in the Water Industry: 21st Century Challenges and Opportunities - from the Council for Science and Technology (CST)
In making reference to UKWIR's research roadmaps and the Barriers to Innovation project, the CST report states that 'the UK water industry is successful through collaboration and research programmes such as UKWIR'.
Included amongst the recommendations is that 'Government, together with Ofwat and the water companies, should ...................devise mechanisms to encourage the necessary structures for R&D to be commissioned by and undertaken in partnership with the industry, for example by strengthening the resources of UKWIR or a similar body'.
The report concludes that 'R&D investment is low in the sector, there are insufficient regulatory awards for innovative solutions to be given to long-term technology planning'.
Independent Review of Competition and Innovation in Water Markets - from the Cave Review
The review recommends that the UK and Welsh Assembly governments, industry, regulators, suppliers, research councils, the Technology Strategy Board and others come together to agree a shared R&D vision for the industry and to co-ordinate their work.
It quoted UKWIR's suggestions that the industry could support R&D in underground asset maintenance, leakage, energy use, smart meters and water and wastewater treatment technologies.
The main recommendation is for the creation of an industry R&D body, supported by funding of the order of £20m a year.
To learn more:
CST Report
Cave Review
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