Policy Consultations
Sharing Learning
Software company Soda Creative's Sodaconstructor is an online learning tool which enables people to build their own robots and models. Their NESTA supported project Sodaplay develops software into a flexible toolkit to deliver creative learning and fun to schools across the country.
Please find below links to NESTA's responses to policy consultations. They are listed in date order with the most recent at the top.
Consultation by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) on its draft Strategic Plan 2006-11, September 2005 (PDF, 59.0KB)
NESTA welcomes the theme of engagement between higher education and the public as set out in HEFCE's draft strategic plan 2006-11 and explores opportunities for partnership on the delivery of this theme, informed by our work in support of science communication.
The Scottish Parliament's Education Committee Pupil Motivation Inquiry - Call for Evidence, February 2005 (PDF, 89.6KB)
This evidence submission provides examples from NESTA's experience of positive indicators for pupils' enthusiasm, motivation and creativity; and examples of best practice of effective teaching approaches to motivate disaffected pupils.
Big Lottery Fund Consultation - Phase Two, January 2005 (PDF, 50.7KB)
NESTA's response highlights the similarities between the proposed structure of the Big Lottery Fund and NESTA's structure (three themes feeding into four outcomes) and provides examples of the projects we have funded, particularly in Learning.
Big Lottery Fund Consultation, September 2004 (PDF, 51.9 KB)
NESTA suggests areas of collaboration with the Big Lottery Fund and responds to specific issues raised in the consultation, supporting the Fund's proposed mission and values.
Consultation Document for a Community Support Programme for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Competitiveness (2006-2010), May 2004 (PDF, 58.7)
NESTA's response focuses on the need to facilitate access to finance for SMEs and certain sectors which find it particularly difficult to access finance; the importance of clusters; and encouraging the promotion of entrepreneurship.
Science and Innovation: Working Towards a Ten-Year Investment Framework, April 2004 (PDF, 87.0 KB)
NESTA addresses: the need for increased emphasis on science in schools and innovative approaches to education, not simply the supply of science teachers; the role of big business and institutions; and potential NESTA involvement in the development of the Technology Strategy.
Informal Capital Raising and High Net Worth and Sophisticated Investors: A Consultation on Proposed Changes to the Financial Promotion Order, April 2004 (PDF, 67.2KB)
NESTA responds to the consultation document with concerns about the proposed criteria to define 'sophisticated investor' and suggests a different model.
Graham Review into the Effectiveness of the Small Firms Loan Guarantee, April 2004 (PDF, 63.8KB)
NESTA's response centres on reform of the Small Firms Loan Guarantee (SFMG) including measures to improve access to finance for the High Technology and Creative Industries sectors.
Lambert Review of Business-University Collaboration, March 2004 (PDF, 64.4KB)
NESTA's response highlights: the focus on Science and Technology transfer at the expense of cooperation in other sectors, such as the Creative Industries; the emphasis on big business at the expense of SMEs; and the value the report places on clusters and regional developments.
Unlocking Creativity - A Creative Region (Northern Ireland), March 2004 (PDF, 62.5)
The focus of this response is the value of a more enterprising culture and the role of the education system; and increased awareness of and support for the creative industries.
Goodison Review - Saving Art for the Nation, October 2003 (PDF, 56.9KB)
NESTA highlights the importance of a system to enable the gifting of intangible assets, including intellectual property rights.
Bridging the Finance Gap: A consultation on improving access to growth capital for small businesses, April 2003 (PDF, 68.3KB)
NESTA's response draws on our experience in funding start-up businesses and says that lack of management and financial skills is one of the main barriers to accessing finance, suggesting that future initiatives should focus more on this aspect.
Consultation on the Proposed Patents Act (Amendment) Bill (PDF, 48.8KB)
NESTA's response focuses on employer-inventor compensation and infringement proceedings in the Patent Office.
Spread your message to an audience that counts, with options available for our website, email bulletins and publications including The House Magazine.
