The ICT Carrier programme supported sector wide projects with the aim of improving the competitiveness of UK industry through the strategic uptake and exploitation of ICT.

Project participants included engineering or manufacturing trade associations, intermediaries such as research and technology based organisations or centres of manufacturing excellence, and companies from industry.

In support of the DTI's objective to promote enterprise, innovation and increased productivity, the aim was to improve the competitiveness of engineering sectors through new business processes and models, and product / service innovation. Particular emphasis was placed on the integration of e-business and e-manufacturing into engineering industries and their immediate supply chains.