Delegates came up with suggestions for the way ahead when they attended ‘Creating World Class Technology Transfer In The Engineering Supply Chain, a half-day event looking at ways of exploiting opportunities in technology/knowledge transfer’.

The event was organised by the Tees Valley Engineering Partnership (TVEP) and the keynote speaker was Chris Pywell, Head of Strategic Economic Change at One NorthEast.

Staged on Thursday 27^th November at Aker Solutions, Phoenix House, Surtees Business Park, Stockton, the event’s main theme was how to harness knowledge from businesses and universities, and turn them into commercial success stories in sectors including alternative energies and oil and gas.

Mr Pywell told delegates: “When we talk to large companies about investing in the region, what they want to hear is a confidence in the future and a sense of innovation. We are in a strong position to benefit from emerging opportunities but we have to take the initiative.

“We have to develop businesses that are enterprising, innovative, productive, competitive and resilient.”

TVEP had already established a Technology Group that has set itself the aspiration of making the Tees Valley a world leader in technology and knowledge transfer.

The group gathered together some of the area’s most influential and well informed figures from government bodies, universities and industry for the event at Aker Solutions.

They agreed to explore challenges including a greater sharing of ideas, how to attract funding, bringing more young people into the industry and making sure that companies can capitalise on bright ideas.

Simon Clarke, chair of the TVEP technology group, who works for Aker Solutions, said: “We are looking to shape an agenda for technology transfer in this region.”

TVEP chief executive Mick Thirlbeck said: “I am encouraged by the commitment shown by people to take this forward. It augurs well for the future. There are great opportunities for engineering companies in sectors such as the reneweables.”

The meeting agreed to investigate the various suggestions over the coming months and compile a report which will go to Government ministers and other decision-makers in March-09.