Introduction to TSB Catapult programme: Catapult centres

To share experience on the role of the new Catapult network in the UK's innovation system and to learn about evidence from similar institutions in other countries on 'what does good performance look like and how should this be measured?'

Sponsors
* The Technology Strategy Board (the UK's National Innovation Agency responsible for the establishment of the new network of UK Catapult technology and innovation centres)
* The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET - the UK's largest professional organisation for engineers and technicians)
* The Big Innovation Centre (a business backed initiative from The Work Foundation and Lancaster University to make the UK a global open innovation hub, to build a world-class innovation ecosystem, and re-balance and grow the UK economy)
* The Economic and Social Research Council (the UK Government agency for funding research on economic and social issues)

Phil Smith is UK & Ireland CEO of Cisco - the worldwide leader in networking for the internet. He was appointed as the Chairman of the UK Technology Strategy Board in December 2011 and hailed as one of the nation's most influential leaders in the Computer Weekly UKTech50 Awards. Phil has also been recognised by the Deputy Prime Minister and other influential figures at the Women of the Future Awards with the 'Mentor of the Year' accolade for his personal commitment to supporting UK women of the future in schools and business.

Over the past year, Phil has championed the British Innovation Gateway (BIG) programme in support of driving UK growth through technology entrepreneurship and STEM skills.