CaSE welcomes House of Lords committee report into the UK’s science and technology strategy

We welcome the recommendations of the House of Lords Science & Technology Committee report on delivering a UK science and technology strategy, published today.

The report reviewed the UK’s research and innovation landscape, the role of science and technology policy, and what becoming a “science superpower” should look like.

We were pleased to see the Committee recommend that the Government focus on establishing science and technology policy for the long term, building on existing policies and with clear, cross-party support – something CaSE has been calling for for many years.

We also welcome the recommendation to involve business and industry in the development of the strategy, and for the Government to take steps to rebuild the UK’s reputation as a partner.

Commenting on the release of the report, CaSE Assistant Director Dr Daniel Rathbone said: “CaSE were delighted to be able to contribute to this inquiry and we welcome the report published today. Research, development and innovation are vital to delivering social and economic benefits for the UK, and to achieve its full potential the Government’s ambitious R&D targets and investment must backed by a long-term strategy.

CaSE analysis has shown that private investment will be particularly important in increasing research intensity to 2.4% of GDP and the Government must continue to make the UK an attractive destination for investment.”

Our Executive Director Prof Sarah Main gave oral evidence and CaSE submitted written evidence as part of the inquiry, which can be found here.