Science, engineering and technology can no longer be considered in isolation due to its critical and integral role in determining the UK’s future, according to a new position paper, Strategic advantage through science and technology: the engineering view, published by the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Following recent developments from the government to achieve its Science Superpower and Innovation Nation ambitions, including the new Science and Technology Framework and Integrated Review Refresh, the Academy has identified six principles for policymakers to enable science and technology to deliver positive outcomes for the UK’s people and environment, security, prosperity, resilience, and international influence.
The six principles that must underpin a new approach to achieving strategic advantage through science and technology are:
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Crucially, these principles will depend on a well-resourced and connected research and innovation system, combined with a strategic direction and plan for delivery.
However, achieving strategic advantage through science and technology will also require radical change to the UK’s existing approaches. Innovation policy needs to be integral to and joined-up across all government departments. Timely public sector interventions will be required to manage the risks associated with late-stage R&D as innovations get ‘close to the market’. Creative and coordinated action with follow-on funding, infrastructure, manufacturing, procurement, standards and regulation, and adoption are vital.
Dr Dame Frances Saunders DBE CB FREng, Chair of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Strategic Advantage working group, said:
“Critical advances in engineering, science and technology have the potential to deliver tangible, real-world benefits to society. But the UK needs long-term strategic direction and planning supported by action to achieve its national ambitions and to adapt to new technologies and circumstances in an ever-changing world. There will inevitably be tough choices that need to be made to balance strategic priorities with the various tensions and trade-offs that arise. We hope that the principles reflected in the Academy’s position paper offer useful guidance for future strategic direction in science and technology from an engineering perspective, as the strategic choices that lie ahead require the voice of engineers.”
Professor Dame Helen Atkinson DBE FREng, member of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Strategic Advantage working group, said:
“With the government having recently defined the five critical technologies for the UK’s future success in innovation, and the launch of the National Quantum Strategy and accompanying infrastructure review being undertaken by the Royal Academy of Engineering, this position paper comes during a time of continued national focus on science and technology. The UK now needs to build on its previous successes in cross-community engagement and partnerships between the government, industry and R&D sector to deliver the societal benefits that can be achieved through engineering innovation.”
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