Knowledge Transfer Network Dedicated To Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technology Launched

This week Cenex and its KTN Partners, SMMT Foresight Vehicle, Fuel Cell Today and Fuel Cells UK, launched the new Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technology Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN).

A Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) is a communication and knowledge management tool, concerned with improving the UK's innovation performance. It does this by increasing the breadth and depth of the knowledge and technology transfer into UK-based businesses and by accelerating the rate at which technology dissemination occurs.

The Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technology KTN (www.low-carbon-fuel-cell-ktn.org.uk) aims to encourage the active participation of all networks currently operating in the field of low carbon and fuel cell technologies and to establish connections with industry and academic networks in other fields which have common interests.

The KTN has two key elements; content and community. A web portal provides organisations with access to content, in the form of timely and relevant information on technological and market developments related to low carbon and fuel cell technologies. In addition, the KTN aims to encourage the active participation of all networks currently operating in the field of low carbon and fuel cell technologies and to establish connections with industry and academic networks in other fields which have common interests.

At the London launch Professor Sir David King, Government Chief Scientific Adviser said: "Low Carbon and Fuel Cell technologies have a role to play in our future energy systems. I am very pleased to announce the launch of Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technology KTN. The partners are ideally qualified to develop a dedicated KTN that will be of immense benefit to UK organisations actively investing in this strategically important sector."

The decision to launch the KTN simultaneously in Yokohama and London is a direct outcome of the participation of Cenex and SMMT Foresight Vehicle in a UK delegation attending the Japan Society of Automotive Engineers (JSAE) Automotive Exposition. Sir Graham Fry, the British Ambassador, announced the launch of the KTN at a reception for the Japanese motor industry, hosted by the British Embassy at JSAE 2006 congress and exhibition.

Announcing the KTN, Sir Graham Fry said "JSAE is one of the most important events in our calendar. The British Pavilion at JSAE is an ideal showcase for the UK motor industry and a key means by which we promote ongoing networking between Japan and the UK. Japanese motor manufacturers are recognised as being at the forefront of hybrid vehicle developments. They show leadership in their dynamic pursuit of technological solutions for internal combustion engine and fuel cell powered vehicles in anticipation of a hydrogen economy. These companies are very interested in the work by UK universities and industry on materials and components for low carbon vehicles, fuel cells and enabling technologies like hydrogen storage materials. I am sure the launch of the KTN will enable UK organisations to partner with Japanese counterparts and encourage the Japanese motor industry to continue to invest in the UK."

Commenting on the launch, Robert Evans, CEO of Cenex, said of the KTN "it will play a vital role in making the necessary connections between various players, from academia, industry, customers and the investor community, necessary to encourage innovation growth." He went on to identify access to networks and sources of new technology as two of the most important elements of improving business innovation, and the role that the KTN will play in their development.

Source: Fuel Cell Today