December 8, 2011

expert reaction to the Government’s new Innovation and Research Strategy

The strategy addressed challenges relating to innovation in the UK and its contribution to economic growth.

Professor Sir John Tooke PMedSci, President, Academy of Medical Sciences, said:

“We welcome the innovation and research strategy that builds on the Prime Minister’s recent speech on the life sciences. The recently announced Academic Health Science Networks will be a crucial component of the UK’s medical research ecosystem and will have a major role in achieving the Government’s innovation goals.”

Imran Khan, director of The Campaign for Science and Engineering, said:

“This is an important and comprehensive analysis of the UK innovation ecosystem. We welcome the government’s emphasis on attracting innovative businesses to the UK, and initiatives such as the new Innovation Inducement Prizes.”

“We call on the government to build on this start by setting aside serious funding to kick start the sector and turn it into a game-changer for UK economic growth – for instance, by setting aside the proceeds from the forthcoming 4G mobile spectrum auction to be reinvested in science, engineering, and innovation.”

Professor Rick Rylance, Chair of Research Councils UK, said:

“The Research Councils and their research communities are a vital component in the UK innovation landscape. The Innovation and Research Strategy is important recognition of the contribution that research makes to growth. Through the research we fund; the infrastructure, both nationally and globally, we support; the talents we develop and help prosper; as well as the partnerships with business, industry and government that we forge on behalf of UK research; the Research Councils nurture innovation and the broad contributions of research to the growth and wellbeing of the UK.”