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Laird chief executive, David Lockwood, takes up key innovation role

Date Announced: 02 Feb 2014

Photonics innovator will oversee new technology commercialization effort in the UK under a single Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN).

David Lockwood has been appointed to one of the most influential business innovation roles in the UK, as non-executive Chair of Knowledge Transfer Network Ltd. Knowledge Transfer Network Ltd is a new vehicle which will, from 1st April, continue to develop the work currently undertaken by the Technology Strategy Board’s Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTN’s).

The new organisation will continue to support business innovation, bringing UK innovators together from across business and academia to collaborate, share knowledge and ideas and develop business partnerships that drive economic growth.

The new company will draw the previously separate KTN communities together under one umbrella, allowing greater opportunities for collaboration across industry sectors.

Commenting on his appointment, David Lockwood said: “This is an exciting venture for me and UK business. Having seen first-hand just how business critical innovation and the fostering of ideas is, I’m pleased to be part of this [new] network to help provide businesses with the right tools to succeed - whether at start-up phase or throughout growing businesses.

“Innovation in the UK’s business community remains a key economic driver for UK plc. I believe that KTN is well positioned, through the ongoing development of the Technology Strategy Board, to continue to drive forward the excellent technology and innovation we have here in the UK.”

CEO of the Technology Strategy Board, Iain Gray said: “I’m pleased to be able to welcome David as the inaugural chair of KTN Ltd’s board. His experience with innovation-focussed businesses will prove invaluable in improving and expanding both the network and collaboration between cutting edge businesses.

“David joins us at a pivotal time in the development of the KTN, as it transitions to a more fluid structure.”

The new organisation maintains the Technology Strategy Board’s role at the heart of UK business-led innovation, while providing increased flexibility in the formation of new communities and cross-cutting activities as needed to support TSB and broader government priorities.

About David Lockwood OBE
Appointed Chief Executive of Laird PLC in August 2012, David Lockwood was formerly Vice President, Global Defence & Security within BT Global Services. Prior to this, David served as Vice President for the Defence & Security C4i Systems and Air Operations at Thales, and was Managing Director, Sensor Systems for BAE Systems.

He established a start-up photonics company, Intense Limited, in 2001. He was Director for the international division of Public Networks Group in GPT and a non-executive director at Samsung Thales Corporation (Korea). Has also held positions with the UK Cabinet Office as part of the Cyber Security Industry Working Party.

Source: Technology Strategy Board

Contact

Technology Strategy Board
North Star House
Swindon
SN2 1UE
United Kingdom

E-mail: via web site

Web Site: www.innovateuk.org.

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