What CaSE would like to see from the new Government

Now the new Government is a few weeks old we would like to see clear statements of intent from Ministers on their plans for research and development (R&D), including confirmation of who the new science minister will be.

We have decided to lay out here what we would like to see and hear from Liz Truss’ administration about R&D. We have detailed previously what we believe should be prioritised, and made the case to the new PM to put science and innovation at the heart of the UK’s future.

Stay the Course

Having R&D at the heart of the UK’s future is one of the best ways to grow the economy and benefit society as a whole. The new administration is seemingly pursuing a strategy of disruptive change in an attempt to secure more growth in the economy. The merits of this strategy are of course up for debate, however, even at a time of economic uncertainty, R&D has the potential to secure growth in the medium to long term. We would urge the Government to make sure they follow through, and build on, previous R&D commitments. This will provide stability for the R&D sector at a time when a change of course would damage the UK’s reputation as a leading place to invest in research and innovation, and harm the sector at a time when it is vital to achieving many of the nation’s priorities like Net Zero.

There has been good progress in supporting R&D from successive Conservative Governments, including a three-year spending review allocation for R&D, a long-term settlement for UKRI, and a significant increase in wider Departmental R&D budgets. We want to see the new administration stay the course already plotted and allow the country to reap the benefits.

Europe

One of the most important things we believe the Government can do over the next two years is consolidate the UK’s relationship with Europe. Securing association with Horizon Europe should be at the top of the to do list. Research is an international endeavour and collaboration through international programmes is vitally important for science. It is a win for both sides if agreement is reached, and it would be a promising first step towards a productive relationship with our nearest international research partners.   

This also presents a great opportunity for a dedicated science minister to make a real difference to the future of science funding and collaboration. We hope that a minister is confirmed in post as soon as possible to work alongside the PM in consolidating international science relationships, and act as a champion for the sector inside Government.

Business Investment

We would like to see an ambitious plan for how the Government intends to incentivise business investment in R&D, to go alongside planned and future public investment whilst they are in office.  

The promised £500 million through the Long-Term Investment for Technology & Science (LIFTS) fund, and changes to the pensions charge cap are a good start, however more detail on how both these schemes may work together will be welcomed.

Reaffirming commitment to long-term investment in R&D will assure businesses of the security of their own investment plans and, importantly, attract the investors and innovators we need to the UK.

UK research and development is a thread the runs through so many of the critical parts of our society, and is therefore uniquely placed to help tackle the serious issues we are facing. With the right support and investment from Government, R&D can thrive and allow the country to thrive with it.