The DTI's Global Watch Service that monitors developments across the globe in commercial aspects of science and technology is based here in Leicestershire at PERA. It provides support dedicated to helping UK businesses to improve their competitiveness by identifying and accessing innovative technologies and practices from overseas.
Science and technology news from around the world is updated daily. It organises group visits to leading overseas technology clusters and short-term placements of key individuals to, or from, leading organisations worldwide. It can also organise technology partnering. For more information ring 01664 501501 or e-mail info@globalwatchservice.com

Technology trends
The aim of the programme is to improve the relative performance of UK science and engineering and its use by government and society. To achieve this the Foresight programme identifies potential opportunities for the economy or society from new science and technologies, or considers how future science and technologies could address key future challenges for society.

This work is supported by the Horizon Scanning Centre, whose aims are to inform decision-making both within government departments and across departments; to support horizon scanning being carried out by others inside and outside government; and, spot the implications of emerging science and technology and enable others to act on them.

NESTA was set up in 1998 to maximise the country's creative and innovative potential

Connect Midlands is a not-for-profit network built for entrepreneurs and investors.

Connect Midlands prime purpose is to act as a facilitator and networking vehicle, uniting emerging technology businesses with the resources they need to succeed. Their focus is on improving early stage companies’ understanding of, and access to, equity based finance of up to £3.5m.

LATI is a networking and support organisation for technology and knowledge based organisations and individuals with innovative ideas

Loughborough Enterprise Club (LEC) is a free networking and support organisation aimed at encouraging innovation and growth in the region

The Technology Programme is the combination of business support products and information that the DTI are offering business in response to the Technology Strategy. The Technology Strategy Board, comprising mainly experienced business leaders, will identify the new and emerging technologies critical to the growth of the UK economy into which government funding and activities can be directed