Overview
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) was a UK government department that played a crucial role in shaping and managing various aspects of business and innovation policy within the United Kingdom. It was responsible for areas including consumer and competition policy, company legislation, employment law, science and research, higher education, and adult learning.
History
The department was established in 2009 through the merger of two earlier entities:
- The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR)
- The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS)
The intention behind this merger was to consolidate the UK’s efforts in fostering business growth and innovation into one single, more efficient entity.
Main Responsibilities
- Consumer and Competition Policy: BIS developed policies aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring fair competition within the marketplace.
- Company Legislation: The department was responsible for the legislative framework that governs companies in the UK.
- Employment Law: BIS put forth and maintained laws related to employment, including workers’ rights and employer responsibilities.
- Science and Research: The department supported scientific research and innovation, providing funding and creating policies to encourage advancements.
- Higher Education and Adult Learning: BIS guided policies related to universities and adult education, ensuring the provision and quality of higher education.
Key Initiatives
Several notable initiatives were introduced and managed by BIS, including programs to back small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), funding for research and innovation projects, and policies to improve the UK’s higher education landscape.
Examples
- Enterprise Finance Scheme: A program designed to help SMEs obtain financing when they had difficulty accessing conventional lending.
- Research Councils UK (RCUK): BIS oversaw the research councils that coordinated efforts to fund and support essential research and development across various scientific fields.
- “Skills for Growth” Program: A strategy focused on improving workforce skills through adult learning and vocational training courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What was BIS? BIS stood for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, a UK government department responsible for areas such as business regulation, higher education, and employment law.
Q2. When was BIS formed? BIS was formed in 2009 from the merger of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS).
Q3. What were the main responsibilities of BIS? The department oversaw consumer and competition policy, company legislation, employment law, science and research, higher education, and adult learning.
Related Terms
- Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR): One of the predecessor departments to BIS, focusing on business and regulatory policies.
- Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS): The other department merged to form BIS, responsible for higher education and scientific research.
- Consumer Policy: Guidelines and regulations aimed at protecting consumers’ rights.
- Competition Policy: Policies designed to promote fair competition in the economy.
- Employment Law: Regulations that govern the relationship between employers and employees.
Online References
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Business Environment” by Ian Worthington and Chris Britton: Explores the different elements that shape the business environment including policy and innovation.
- “Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Practice and Principles” by Peter F. Drucker: Discusses the fundamentals of innovation within businesses.
- “UK Employment Law Handbook” by Daniel Barnett: Provides an extensive overview of employment laws within the UK.
Accounting Basics: “Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)” Fundamentals Quiz
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