If the R&D system is to be reimagined considering both global and domestic changes, now is the time to take action and shape that future. To remain relevant and resilient and be able to meet future economic, societal, and geopolitical challenges, the sector must strengthen its foundations, increase collaboration, and be more strategic. This is made clear in the latest project from Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE).
CaSE’s Reimagining R&D project produced a vision of what the R&D system should look like in 2045 and what actions would need to be taken now to make that vision a reality. Based on views gathered through an extensive consultation period with the R&D sector, CaSE recommends four actions for government and the sector to take:
- Nurture and strengthen the foundations of the R&D base with policies that recognise the sector’s diversity and support the pathways of both research and development.
- Provide sustained support and continuity through long-term funding to secure infrastructure, build lasting partnerships and maintain public confidence.
- Prioritise and be more strategic to compete globally, attract investment, and deepen international collaboration.
- Make the R&D sector more visible and clearer about its value so it earns lasting public and political support.
The vision, published earlier this year, makes a case for action. It identifies the need to strengthen the R&D base if by 2045 the R&D system is to be one that: delivers benefits for the economy and society; is embedded in society with greater public involvement; fosters national capability while being outward looking; and features in an open innovation system, with strong public and private collaboration.
CaSE carried out a deeper exploration of the vision through a series of roundtables. Each roundtable had representatives from CaSE’s members and the wider sector, spanning universities, research institutes, Government, not-for profits, industry and learned and professional societies. The three roundtables focused on the different themes of the vision, with conversations considering the current policy environment, where we are now, and what is needed to take things forward.
Reimagining R&D
Explore the project“This work demonstrates that the sector has an ambitious vision for what a thriving, resilient R&D system should look like by 2045.
“Our conversations this year point to clear actions the R&D sector and the Government should take today for getting there.
“First and foremost, we need to nurture the foundations of the R&D base through long-term funding and sustained support.”
Dr Camilla d’Angelo
Policy Manager, Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE)
“Achieving this vision will require deliberate choices by the sector and by policymakers. We live in a rapidly changing world that presents a deep challenge for the R&D sector but also a real opportunity for positive change.
“By enacting the policies we need now and by telling a compelling story about how R&D contributes to a better future we can take the first steps towards a positive vision.
“At CaSE we are determined to drive change as a sector to be more open, inclusive, and responsive, to turn passive public support into a deeper connection. If we do all these things, R&D can help shape events rather than simply react to them, creating a resilient and trusted system capable of delivering economic and societal benefits for everyone.”
Dr Daniel Rathbone
Deputy Executive Director, Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE)
Materials
The previously published ‘Reimagining R&D’ vision and policy briefings are linked below.
- Vision: Reimagining R&D: What future does the sector want for UK R&D? – CaSE
- Brief 1: How do we get to a 2045 where R&D features in an open innovation system with strong public and private collaboration – CaSE
- Brief 2: How do we get to a 2045 where R&D fosters national capability while being outward looking – CaSE
About CaSE
Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE) is the leading independent voice for UK R&D.
We are a charity supported by a diverse membership including businesses, universities, professional bodies, research charities and individuals. Our members span the whole breadth of R&D – including discovery research, science, engineering, and innovation across the public, private, and charitable sectors.
We collaborate with our members, partners and the public to lend our clear, expert voice to decisions about research and development. We specialise in developing non-partisan, responsive solutions that help research and innovation to thrive in ways that improve people’s lives and livelihoods.
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