New research from CaSE sheds light on what the public think and
feel about skilled immigration to the UK.
Public attitudes insights and messaging guidance published today
by Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE) find that there is
appetite in the UK for researcher immigration to the UK,
especially when positioned as a way of restoring national pride
and fixing ‘broken Britain'.
There is substantial
evidence on the benefits of attracting international
researchers to the UK's R&D sector, but the messaging used by
the sector has struggled to cut through in the wider public
debate around immigration.
CaSE commissioned The Social Agency and Icaro to develop and test
pro-researcher immigration communications that are more
emotionally resonant with the public – especially those who hold
stronger anti-immigration views, to produce a Guide for Engaging
the Public with Researcher Immigration. This guide was informed
by qualitative and quantitative research.
Findings tell us that the public are often supportive of bringing
talented researchers to the UK, but care needs to be taken to
ensure that the message lands effectively. We found that messages
that framed international talent as a way of restoring national
pride and fixing ‘broken Britain' were particularly
effective. At the same time, we saw that people don't want to
hear that Britain is reliant on immigration and want to hear
about homegrown talent as well.
To reach broader public audiences with messages without
alienating those who hold anti-immigration sentiments, the guide
sets out seven principles, which include:
- The need to use inspiring language, with the best performing
statements talking about ‘building' and ‘doing it
again' rather than ‘problems'.
- Being clear that the message is about attracting the best
overseas talent and giving specific examples of innovation.
- Being mindful of language and highlighting the benefits of
attracting overseas talent for the Britain and British workers,
and avoid implying a reliance on immigration.
- Aligning on one idea and speak with one voice as a sector,
with individual messages should always leading back to the big
idea.
It's important to highlight that while this guide will enable new
ways of talking about researcher immigration, the best
communication will always require careful understanding of the
evolving nature of the message's audience and context. For
example, we found that people wanted to hear how international
researchers would benefit their local areas – something that can
only come from the insights of local research organisations and
politicians.
Commenting on the project:
Dr Rebecca Hill, Public Opinion and Engagement Manager,
Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE):
“The immigration debate is loud and wide-ranging, and the R&D
sector needs to be conscious of where it fits within this
conversation. Despite evidence showing the benefits of skilled
immigration for the UK, and evidence of public support for
researcher immigration, the R&D sector's messages have
historically struggled to cut through.
“This project gives us a vital insight into how to have a better
conversation with the public. It has demonstrated the value in
listening to the public's views and concerns, and has allowed us
to offer the R&D sector ideas for more emotionally resonant
ways to talk about immigration into the R&D system. We hope
it will help the R&D community shift the debate towards
tangible examples of the positive difference that researcher
immigration makes to our communities.”
