19 November 1999
Responding to a report on the commercialisation of public sector research establishments, the NAO said it would adopt an 'open-minded and supportive approach' to new ways of working. It highlighted a Public Audit Forum statement warning that fear of the risks of change could 'stifle worthwhile innovation designed to lead to improvements'.
Although the comments were addressed to the area of research establishments, the NAO said that the same philosophy should apply throughout the public sector. This would help to implement many of the recommendations of the Modernising Government white paper.
The report which sparked the response, Creating Knowledge, Creating Wealth, recommended ways to increase the rate at which public sector research is exposed to commercialisation.
PFnov1999
