Working Groups
In order to enable the group of InCrops partners to apply their world-class skills and capabilities in a way to support the development of business-driven innovation clusters in the East of England, InCrops has set up four Working Groups to accelerate knowledge transfer and collaboration between academia and industry.
The InCrops Working Groups bring together several InCrops partner organisations. These Working Groups were set up back in 2010 to:
- Develop a better understanding of the expertise available at partner organisations;
- Raise awareness about funding for applied, collaborative work;
- Develop collaborative projects involving academics and businesses;
- Provide Pathways to Impact by increasing business engagement in innovation.
The following Working Groups are currently in operation:
- Biomaterials - biopolymers, natural fibres, and biocomposites;
- Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy - bioenergy, biorefining, and algal techniologies;
- Phytochemicals - phytochemicals for health, cosmetis and crop protection;
- Agriculture and Horticulture - alternative feedstocks in growing media, soil amendment products, and energy efficiency in glasshouses and hydroponics.
Thematic priorities
In addition to these Working Groups, InCrops set up a number of thematic priorities for 2013-2015. Based on partner expertise and interests, InCrops team identified the following areas to serve as focal points for interactions between different partners and businesses:
- Biomass for energy and high value products;
- Biomaterials – wood, biopolymers, biocomposites, cork, biomedical applications;
- Employability & skills, entrepreneurship, interaction between students and businesses.