"Profit from innovation" prepares British businesses for the future

A new publication from the European Union will show British businesses how to take an active part in developing the technology of the future. "Profit from innovation" is an extensive guide to EU and UK research and development programmes.

The guide was prepared by the Commission''s Directorate-General XIII and is the first of a series of individual country publications designed to help businesses make the most of research results. The drive to help European businesses become more competitive in developing technologies is a core part of the EU strategy for the future.

The guide covers four main stages of research and development:

- Pre-competitive research;
- Research;
- Development;
- Production and market exploitation.

The following topics are covered:

- EU research policy and programmes;
- UK research policy and programmes;
- Research and development organizations;
- Product design and development;
- Marketing, technology transfer and exporting;
- Legal aspects;
- Finance and funding;
- General sources of information.

In addition, useful contact details are provided within each chapter.