Devolution of R&D to English Regions - Roundtable Report
There is clear evidence of a link between R&D and economic output in different geographical areas, and increasingly, English regions are developing plans for economic development based on their own circumstances and the industries and skills in their regions.
On 23 October 2024, a round table discussion meeting was organised by the Foundation for Science and Technology, in collaboration with the University of Liverpool., to discuss these issues, and the potential for greater devolution to English regions, specifically in the areas of R&D policies and budgets.
For more details and download
Critical technologies - past and future
What drives governments to prioritise technologies and what does a good approach look like?
Governments can play a pivotal role in supporting the advancement of critical technologies. Government interventions increasingly need to be agile and responsive to keep pace with a rapidly evolving global technology landscape. The effective identification and prioritisation of critical technologies can be an important tool in promoting economic growth, societal well-being, national security and achieving long-term sustainability goals.
On 8 July 2024 the Foundation for Science and Technology and the Royal Academy of Engineering held a roundtable discussion on these issues. This paper builds on the discussions at that meeting and examines the UK government’s previous approaches to technology prioritisation over the last decade and explores potential avenues for future prioritisation efforts.
For more details and download
A Round Table on Artifical Intelligence
The Artifical Intelligence roundtable was set up to coincide with the visit of the Deputy Secretary General of the OECD, Ulrik Knudsen, to London. A selection of thought leaders discussed AI regulation, particularly generative AI.
Attendees first heard from four participants who gave initial thoughts including global and UK perspectives view, how to harness AI’s capabilities, and its substantial risks such as misinformation. This was followed by a discussion which included whether and how to “guard rail” AI, standardisation and codes of conduct. Other issues discussed included regulatory choices, standardisation, speed, lingo and fairness, and where the UK fits into the emerging global picture.
For More Details and Download
Scenarios for a Science Superpower
What is a ‘science superpower’? Sarah Main and Graeme Reid explore reactions to the term from stakeholders across the UK and examine alternative versions of a future in which ‘science superpower’ status is achieved. Jeremy Hunt, Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson, George Freeman and other senior figures in government use the phrase ‘science superpower’ as a headline for ambitious, visionary science policy. It is a potent phrase but open to varied interpretation. By exploring scenarios in which the UK has achieved ‘science superpower’ status by different means, the authors stimulate debate about the desired characteristics of this status and highlight the choices facing policy-makers on the path to become a more research-intensive UK.
For More Details and Download
Science Advice in the UK
The Foundation for Science and Technology and Transforming Evidence were commissioned by the UK Science and Innovation Network to produce a report on the science advisory system in the UK, looking not just at government and parliament but also at those supplying evidence (such as universities) and the role of evidence brokers. The report sets out both what the system in the UK is, and also how it has developed over time. It looks at key roles (such as the Government Chief Scientific Advisor) and committees (such as the Science Advisory Group for Emergencies, SAGE) , and describes how science advice is funded.
For More Details and Download
UK science, technology & innovation policy after Brexit: priorities, ambitions & uncertainties
In this report , Gavin Costigan (Chief Executive of the Foundation for Science and Technology) and Professor James Wilsdon (Director of the Research on Research Institute at the University of Sheffield) provide a guide to science, technology and innovation funding and policy in the UK, as at April 2021. The report includes new developments in the R&D landscape, including the Plan for Growth, the Integrated Review, ARIA, cuts to ODA spending and association with Horizon Europe, as well as setting out existing funding mechanisms through UKRI and overall levels of investment. This report was commissioned by the Japanese Embassy in London.
For More Details and Download
