EADS establishes research foundation

Aerospace group

has signed a partnership agreement with organisations in the south west of England for a national technology research programme.

EADS signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a research foundation called Innovation Works UK to encourage technological innovation in the region. Its partners include the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA), the South East RDA, Welsh Assembly Government, and the universities of Bristol, Southampton and Cardiff.

The ceremony was hosted by the Minister of State for Industry and the Regions at the Department of Trade and Industry, Margaret Hodge, and the Welsh Assembly’s First Minister, Rhodri Morgan was also present.

‘The initiative to create Innovation Works in the UK shows how to enhance the links between innovators in the UK, in turn creating jobs and wealth for all of us,’ said Hodge.

The first part of the Innovation Works programme will involve a focus on EADS’s airbus subsidiary at the Filton wing design centre near Bristol.