Tim Venables

• Imperial College London

This book illustrates that, although innovation has always mattered in economic development, simply increasing expenditure in creating knowledge may not be the answer: we need to look at the whole system through which such knowledge translates to value creation.

This paper discusses the relationship between different forms of design and technological innovation and their ability to support older people in their own homes. It considers (1) innovation in the design and construction of new housing, notably ‘lifetime homes’ and ‘open building’ systems; (2) the introduction of electronically enhanced assistive...

Manufacturing Excellence is the second report of the Housing Forum Modern Methods of Construction Group. In our first report HOMING IN ON EXCELLENCE we set out why we believe modern methods of construction – and in particular off-site manufacture – could make a major contribution to improving and expanding the nation's housing stock. Support for th...

Consumer Electronics (CE) encompass all electronic hardware and software products and systems, fixed or mobile, intended for purchase by large numbers of private consumers, enabling them access to services, functions and content at their discretion. Today, the CE industry, as it goes rapidly digital, is in the midst of a new wave of change. The dif...

Telecare services and 'smart' homes share a common technological base in information technology and telecommunications. There is growing interest in both telecare services and smart homes, although they have been studied in isolation. Telecare has been driven largely by perceived cost savings and improved service delivery to the home, leading to im...

Smart Homes are about more than automating routine domestic tasks and providing safety, security and environmental control. New Information and Communication Technologies provide an infrastructure which can support a wide range of new activities in the home, ranging from shopping, banking and working, to learning, entertainment, healthcare support...

21 st September 2005 Introduction The DTI's decision to develop a microgeneration strategy is welcome. The UK is in a strong position to become a world leader in microgeneration technologies. Technologies such as micro-CHP, micro-wind and PV could potentially make a substantial contribution to the energy supply mix, and help to achieve government t...