UK government asks for industry input

UK games companies are being asked to give their own suggestions on how to maximise the effectiveness of future funding programmes, according to a new government initiative.

The Technology Strategy Board has asked firms to visit the website www.innovateuk.org and help influence the direction of funding programmes and collaborations. The board is also promoting a live online seminar on November 2 called "Digital Horizons: Commercialising Innovation".

The board recently published The Creative Industries Strategy 09 and the next application period for funding is expected to being in the spring. Funds will be awarded via peer-judged competitions based on priority areas identified in the strategy.

"We've worked with around 100 key organisations and industry leaders from the creative sector to write the report and identify which areas we should focus on for the highest returns to the UK creative economy," said Jeremy Silver, the Technology Strategy Board's lead specialist in creative industries.

"Now we want to hear from those working in the gaming sector on how best we can work towards meeting these priorities, which will have a direct impact on where future funding goes to achieve the biggest impact."

"The strategy aims to get the creative industries working more closely together to fully exploit new commercial opportunities and, by getting involved in shaping its delivery, gaming professionals have a great opportunity to influence funding programmes they stand to directly benefit from," added Silver.