FST JOURNAL

After the formal presentations, the speakers joined a panel to answer questions from the audience on a range of topics, including: system complexity; dual-purpose technologies; fundamental science; and the role of the private sector.

How do the NSTC and OSTS fit into or affect the current structures? While the addition of new bodies carries the risk of making the RD&I system even more complex – which should be avoided if at all possible – the creation of the NSTC is concerned with the coordination of the existing elements, such as joining up all Government Departmental scientific advisers. There was concern that the advisory and policy- creating functions should be kept distinct and that the two roles of Government Chief Scientific Adviser and National Technology Adviser should be held separately in future.

Organisations like UKRI and the OSTS both help to connect disciplines and sectors, including charitable funders, that would otherwise risk becoming siloed. A survey of businesses found that a key element in convincing them to invest more in innovation is the support available to help them navigate the system, so further complexity could discourage further business investment. There is a clear tension in the commercialisation of activities which also have applications in national security. While some elements need to be confidential, there appears to be little advantage in maintaining high-levels of secrecy throughout the entire science and technology journey. The NSTC should be involved in deciding how to shape safe deployment of dual-use technologies that serve interests beyond the purely economic, while decisions on matters of national security should remain outside of its remit.

It is also important to maintain a strong interface between the research base and the private sector business community in order to maximise the benefits of dual-use technologies. During the pandemic, businesses engaged with emerging technologies to help facilitate deployment at pace. technologies that serve interests beyond the purely economic, while decisions on matters of national security should remain outside of its remit. It is also important to maintain a strong interface between the research base and the private sector business community in order to maximise the benefits of dual-use technologies. During the pandemic, businesses engaged with emerging technologies to help facilitate deployment at pace.

Encouraging a diversity of activity and ideas, by including private and third sectors, should benefit the entire community. It is essential that funding for fundamental science should be protected and maintained separately from directed science and challenge-led funding. In order to achieve the 2.4% increase in R&D funding, private-sector investment will be imperative and so science policy must facilitate and promote business involvement in R&D.

Can the new structures introduce new and diverse voices into the wider RD&I and S&T communities? A ‘collective intelligence gathering’ is required to seek out those who do not necessarily identify as innovators. The national strategy should aim to create an inclusive innovation economy where everyone can feel involved. For the wider public, a new narrative is required where instead of science being something that is ‘done to you’, it is done ‘by you or with you’.