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Forum Brief: Investment in science
The government has launched a consultation with business, research foundations and the scientific community on the framework for a ten-year strategy for investment in science and engineering.
Government Response: HM Treasury
Chancellor Gordon Brown said: "National Science Week is an ideal time not just to be celebrating Britain's history of scientific excellence but to look forward to a future in which science and engineering skills will be even more crucial to Britain's ability to compete in high-technology, high-value sectors. So we are preparing new partnerships with businesses and charities to meet this global challenge.
"I can confirm that we will support our ten year science strategy by locking in the significant boosts to science from the last two spending reviews and that we will continue to work with leading science based companies, the scientific community and research charities so that for the years from 2005-6 we can raise science funding as a share of national income.
"This is a collaborative effort. I am delighted that a whole range of leading R&D businesses have indicated that they wish to work with us on our science strategy and to make their own commitments to the future of British science and innovation over the next decade. Our final funding decisions will reflect the extent of the parallel commitments made by all the key players on research and development in the UK. So this is the challenge I am putting to all our partners, leading businesses and charities, today - with one ambition and purpose: to make Britain the best and most attractive location in the world for science and innovation."
Forum Response: British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers Association
Dave Dossett, BEAMA's chief executive said: "BEAMA supports this government initiative to make the UK a more attractive environment for science, R&D and innovation. However, it is essential that in tandem, the government takes steps to reduce the burdens placed on those same businesses by excessive regulations, many emanating from Brussels, but agreed and implemented by HMG."
Forum Response: National Office of Animal Health
Phil Sketchley, NOAH chief executive, told ePolitix.com: "NOAH welcomes support by government for British science - because only by rooting policy in science can public confidence be truly earned.
"Nowhere is this more true than in the field of animal health, where animal medicines are subject to a scientific licensing procedure based on their safety, quality and efficacy before they are allowed on the market. Experts in animal medicine companies have a lot to offer those in government and academia in the use of science to improve animal health and welfare in the UK.
"Industry experts include many scientists, including veterinary surgeons, who are involved in the cutting edge of developing new research and technologies to prevent and treat animal disease. They can recognise opportunities and pitfalls. They have studied how diseases progress and are transmitted."
Forum Response: Chemical Industries Association
Steve Elliott, CIA director of Business Environment said: "The CIA is ready and willing to play a role in translating the government’s ambition of ensuring that the UK will be a key knowledge hub in the global economy, converting new knowledge into profitable new products and services.
"However, the strategy for the future British science and technology must translate into a realistic and achievable action plan which will transform the UK into an innovative centre of excellence within the global marketplace.
"The government – as an intelligent purchaser of education – must also proactively manage its investment in science and technology if innovative enterprise is to succeed."
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