Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson and entrepreneur James Caan today called on the UK’s best innovators to put themselves forward for the iawards - the first ever Government backed-awards to celebrate achievements in science, innovation and technology - to get the recognition they deserve.
Their call to action comes as a new survey shows that businesses believe British innovators are unsung heroes whose contribution to making Britain a better place to live and work often goes unnoticed.
The survey, commissioned by the Department for Business Innovation & Skills, reveals that more than nine in ten business leaders agreed that giving employees recognition will drive entrepreneurship in the workplace.
The survey also found:
- 43% of senior executives surveyed across the UK believe that UK organisations are good at supporting innovative business areas and ideas.
- 63% feel that open communication to discuss new ideas will encourage greater innovation from their employees;
- 43% per cent would consider implementing innovation sessions; and
- 36% would offer cash or stock option incentives.
Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson said:
“Businesses are doing a great job in developing the innovations that will drive the country out of recession. It’s time to recognise and honour our best innovators - those who are creating the successful companies of tomorrow. The iawards will do just that - not just in these extraordinary times we find ourselves in, but for years to come. Make sure to get your entries in by 16 September 2009 to take part in this inaugural year.”
Leading entrepreneur and businessman James Caan said:
“The economic downturn presents an opportunity to transform UK business and create a positive climate for the creation of new innovations. Some of the world’s most successful companies, including Microsoft, were conceived during a recession. The UK has some of the greatest minds in the world and thanks to the existing efforts of our entrepreneurs SMEs still make up more than 55 per cent of UK GDP. They must be encouraged and recognised for their work.
“I firmly believe that businesses who focus their energy on nurturing the talent available to them can lead the UK out of the recession. This is why I support the iawards, a long awaited opportunity to fully celebrate and recognise the strength of science, technology and innovation in the UK.”
For more information, and to enter, visit www.iawards.org.uk. The closing date for entries is 16 September. The iawards gala dinner will take place at the Science Museum, November 16, 2009.
Read the full innovation survey press notice here.
You can also follow all iAwards news on Twitter.
Information on the formation of the iAwards can be viewed here.