The Digital Systems Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) was set up in 2009 by the Technology Strategy Board to bring together business, academia, and government to drive technology innovation and create wealth for the UK.
The Digital Systems KTN was created by combining three former KTNs: Grid Computing Now! – now known as Scalable Computing – Cyber Security and Location & Timing. It comprises a consortium of leading suppliers, academics and industrialists, and is led by Intellect (in charge of Scalable Computing), Qinetiq (Cyber Security) and National Physical Laboratory (Location & Timing).
Established in 2005, Grid Computing Now!/ Scalable Computing has established a network of more than 1,100 members, about two-thirds of whom are from industry; the remainder are from academia and public sector.
The Digital Systems KTN will create links between organisations to address technology issues such as intelligent transport, cloud computing, smart metering and mobile data access. It will stimulate knowledge sharing and break down business walls that prevent advances in technology. For example it could put academics carrying out the latest research on GPS services in touch with product developers and companies who know how to assure these services are provided in a scalable and secure way on the internet.
The growth in mobile computing, processing power, networking technologies, location-based systems, and internet services is offering us new ways to work, access essential services, socialise, and build relationships.
Better access to information means more potential threats to data security and personal privacy. There is a fine balance between using new technology to make our lives easier, and ensuring this is done with appropriate confidentiality and integrity of information.
“A successful digital society marries the need to access data on the move with a secure and scalable approach to gathering, processing, and using that information,” says Ian Osborne, Director of the Digital Systems KTN. “We will create opportunities to innovate in this field by bringing people together – for example there are many academics making exciting breakthroughs in new tech who don’t have the contacts to make them a reality or innovators who need to be connected to funders.”
The Digital Systems Knowledge Transfer Network will host conferences and online meetings, provide members with guidance on funding sources and allow them influence on future policy decisions.
