Build on UK research strength, academies urge
10 Feb 2015
The National Academies, comprising The Royal Academy of Engineering, The Royal Society, the British Academy and The Academy of Medical Sciences, has outlined what it thinks the next UK government should do to ensure an unrivalled research and innovation base in the UK.
The academies’ report, Building a stronger future, says more robust research, development and innovation in the UK will help people live healthier, fuller and better lives.
The report also calls on the next government to create an environment that attracts more industrial and charitable investment in research and innovation, in addition to that from government.
“The combined voice of the four national academies is a something that the next government can’t ignore
CaSE acting director Naomi Weir
Campaign for Science and Engineering acting director Naomi Weir said: “The combined voice of the four national academies is a something that the next government can’t ignore.
“These world-respected institutions are all saying we must invest more in research and innovation to drive economic growth and create a happier and healthier society.”
To ensure the UK is the “location of choice” for world-class research and innovation, the National Academies says the next government must adopt the following priorities: Place research and innovation at the heart of plans for long-term economic growth; secure prosperity by strengthening public investment in research and innovation; meet demand for research skills through a flexible and diverse workforce; strengthen policy by embedding expert advice across government.
Globally, the UK sits second behind the US in terms of the quality of its scientific research institutions and fourth for its university-industry collaboration in R&D.
President of the British Academy Nicholas Stern said: “The UK already produces some of the most cutting edge research in the world - 15.9% of the world’s most highly cited articles come from the UK.
“However, we cannot take this leadership in research for granted. Top quality research and innovation can help us tackle some of the challenges that the UK faces as a society - improving health, producing more sustainable energy and bringing stronger education and skills across the whole workforce.”
The academies’ statement also calls for a more diverse workforce, and advises the UK government to ensure the country has the right policies to encourage “valuable immigration”.
President of The Royal Academy of Engineering Ann Dowling said: “We need high quality skills across all disciplines to meet the demand from the UK research and innovation base and the wider economy.
“As well as growing the UK skills base, we must compete for the high quality global research and student talent available.”
A copy of the academies’ report can be found here.
