The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills brings together universities, innovation, science, intellectual property and technology as well as supporting evidence based policy making across government - all of which is essential to national prosperity. By supporting the science and research base, and encouraging innovation in all sectors, the intention is to improve quality of life in the UK through new technologies and improved public services.

The Government's aim is to make the UK the leading place in the world in which to be an innovative business, public service or third sector organisation - an Innovation Nation in which innovation thrives at all levels whether, individuals, communities or regions; A Nation in which an environment exists in which researchers and businesses can work together to turn their ideas into high-value products and services.

The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills is supported by the Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills, The Minister for Science and Innovation (jointly with the Ministry of Defence), Minister of State for Higher Education and Intellectual Property, the Minister for Regional Economic Development and Co-ordination (jointly with the Department for Communities and Local Government), the Minister for Trade, Investment and Business (jointly with Foreign and Commonwealth Office) the Minister for Further Education, Skills, Apprenticeships and Consumer Affairs, the Minister for Business and Regulatory Reform and the Minister for Economic Competitiveness, Small Business and Enterprise (jointly with the Cabinet Office).

The Minister for Science and Innovation (jointly with the Ministry of Defence) is responsible for innovation, a low carbon economy, science policy and wealth creation from science, Research Councils, Foresight programme - science and society issues, Space, Technology Strategy Board, National Measurement Office, Design Council, National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA), Energy Technologies Institute, Commission for Environmental Markets and Economic Performance, British Standards Institution, UK Accreditation Service, Life Sciences (including Office for Life Sciences and pharmaceutical sector).

The Department's science and engineering activity is overseen by the BIS Chief Scientific Adviser who is also the CSA for the Department for Transport. The BIS Chief Scientific Adviser works closely with the Chief Economic Adviser and the Director General for Science and Research to provide advice to Ministers. He reports to the Permanent Secretary and also supports the Government Chief Scientific Adviser.