"To increase the competitiveness of UK Engineering and Manufacturing by the transfer of New Technologies, plus Innovative Training and Education by means of a network of actively co-operating Centres of Expertise."
In particular, the aim is to develop a cohesive approach to addressing the shortage of engineering skills and improving the competitiveness of UK industry. TANet addresses all sectors and sizes of company but has a special emphasis on the transfer of skills and Technologies to SMEs.
The first role of TANet, therefore is to facilitate co-operation between Centres to exchange data, skills, experience and technology services and provide a high quality, comprehensive service to the customer. The second role of TANet is to add value and identify new business opportunities for the Technology Centres by:-
- Raising the profile of the network and highlighting the capabilities of the centres, acting as a delivery channel to industry for National and European programmes of work.
- Initiating Technology Transfer, Dissemination and Innovation programmes for implementation by the Centres.
- Co-operating with major industrial OEMs and groups wishing to implement their own policy initiatives (e.g. supply chain, quality) via the network.
- Providing a single point of contact and partner search facilities for National and European research programmes (6th Framework, ESRC, ISI, ESF).
- Providing feedback, advice and information to government on behalf of members.
- Regular technology briefings for members by recognised experts.
- The third role of TANet is to transfer technology to the Centres themselves by regular technology briefings by recognised experts, awareness of new research and initiatives.
- TANet members access a combined industry customer base of more than 9000 SMEs.
Membership of the network brings many advantages. The TANet Support Team actively maintains the www.tanet.org.uk communications network and provide an effective contact management and partner search service. The web site offers a Directory of Technology Centres and links through to member web sites for direct contact to your nearest Centre.
But TANet is more than a contact point; it is a private source of information for the Centres on new government programmes, initiatives and new projects. The network is in regular meetings with government, regional agencies, the European Commission and other business networks. Many members of TANet are often leading participants in these areas.
TANet also offers members the opportunity to promote their own capabilities and achievements in the Technology Showcase. Company Profiles, case studies, project results and briefings can be published, whilst events, and announcements can appear in the News areas. Network meetings and workshops encourage the development of new partnerships and exchange of ideas.
TANet has developed relationships with a number of sponsoring organisations and links which gives exclusive access for TANet members to:-
- Membership of the e-Power European Network of Regional Technology Centres funded by the IST Programmes of the Fifth Framework.
- Access to ICT programme information and events as both e-Power and TANet are participants.
- Use of the AGREE tool for the development of e-business strategies for SME’s at a heavily discounted price.
- Access to free demonstration software from leading vendors complete with free installation and training.
- Free access to the Aerospace Club 2000 Website maintained on behalf of BAE System by Web HQ. This is a technical website for SME’s in the engineering sector.
- Four Network and Technology Briefing Meetings per annum.
Each Technology Centre belonging to the Network is capable of the practical demonstration of the application of new technologies, the management of innovation and the process of change. Each Centre, however, tends to specialise in particular technologies, roles or sectors, but looks for access to other additional skills and services in order to offer a comprehensive service to satisfy the customer.
Capabilities of the Network include:-
- Design Engineering and Product Modelling
- Advanced manufacturing and robotics
- Information and Communications Technologies
- E-Business
- Prototyping and test
- Environment
Above all members are committed to understanding the organisational impact of technology and change for engineering and manufacturing companies in order to achieve successful implementation.
TANet is funded by Member Subscription
Current Registered Address for TANet:
Technology Application Network Limited (TANet),
Control 2K Limited,
Waterton Technology Centre,
Waterton Industrial Estate,
Bridgend,
CF31 3WT.
Phone: +44 (0)1656 646405.
Email: admin@tanet.org.uk.
www.tanet.org.uk
TANet centres offer outstanding demonstration, trial, test and education facilities. Such facilites include state-of-the-art design and graphics studios, manufacturing workshops and simulated company networks. They emphasise practical hands on demonstrations of solutions, case studies for the introduction of new technologies and proven methodologies for the management of change.