Ex-BT exec appointed to lead UK technology innovation
Knowledge Transfer Network Ltd is a new vehicle which will, from 1 April, continue to develop the work currently undertaken by the Technology Strategy Board's Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTN's).
The new organisation, said the Technology Strategy Board - the UK's innovation agency - will continue to support business innovation, "bringing UK innovators together from across business and academia to collaborate, share knowledge and ideas" and "develop business partnerships that drive economic growth".
The new company will draw the previously separate KTN communities together under one umbrella, "allowing greater opportunities for collaboration across industry sectors", said the Technology Strategy Board.
Appointed chief executive of electronics and technology group Laird PLC in August 2012, Lockwood was formerly vice-president of global defence and security within BT Global Services.
Prior to this, Lockwood served as vice-president for defence and security C4i systems and air operations at Thales, and was managing director for sensor systems at BAE Systems.
He established a start-up photonics company, Intense Limited, in 2001. He has also held positions within the UK cabinet office as part of the Cyber Security Industry Working Party.
Lockwood said: "This is an exciting venture for me and UK business. Having seen first-hand just how business critical innovation and the fostering of ideas is, I'm pleased to be part of this new network to help provide businesses with the right tools to succeed - whether at start-up phase or throughout growing businesses."
Lockwood added: "Innovation in the UK's business community remains a key economic driver for UK plc. I believe that KTN is well positioned, through the ongoing development of the Technology Strategy Board, to continue to drive forward the excellent technology and innovation we have here in the UK."