On 27th November 2017, BEIS published the "Industrial Strategy - Building a Britain fit for the future” White Paper. The Industrial Strategy includes a number of valuable opportunities for Industry including a proposed £20M challenge fund for Next Generation Services.

This programme of workshops, organised by KTN on behalf of Innovate UK and the Research Councils, presents an opportunity for delegates to learn more about the proposed Next Generation Services programme, as well as a chance to meet other businesses, researchers, etc. and build new collaborations. Feedback gathered will inform and influence grant-funding opportunities. The challenge focuses on accountancy, insurance and legal services.

Further details: The challenge is outlined in page 76 of the "Industrial Strategy”:

Background: While we are a global leader in accountancy, insurance and legal services and the performance of these sectors gives a disproportionate impact on the UK economy, these sectors face significant challenges on an international stage from new technology-enabled competitors.

We need to ensure that the UK‘s high-value industries are able to fully utilise technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics, help them identify how the application of these technologies can transform their operations, making them more productive, successful and able to compete internationally. Please note: The business case for the challenge is currently being finalised. Should the business case receive approval, the expectation will be for the funding to become available in Spring 2018.

Expression of Interest: Please note that places are restricted and therefore interested parties are requested to register their interest here. You will be notified if a place has been made available to you.

Calling Academics who can recommend Industry Partners:

These workshops are limited in numbers and are looking to balance between academics and industry partners. Thus we are requesting that academics who are looking to attend pro-actively nominate/recommend business partners to attend as well – and these academics who can offer a business partner will be prioritised”.

ISCF Workshop: Next Generation Services Manchester