The research and development (R&D) sector has an opportunity
to secure a thriving future for itself amidst a changed and
changing world, but we need to act now, says the latest
project from Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE).
If the R&D system is to be reimagined considering both global
and domestic changes, now is the time to take action and shape
that future. To remain relevant and resilient and be able to meet
future economic, societal, and geopolitical challenges, the
sector must strengthen its foundations, increase collaboration,
and be more strategic.
CaSE's Reimagining
R&D project produced a vision of what the
R&D system should look like in 2045 and what actions would
need to be taken now to make that vision a reality. Based on
views gathered through an extensive consultation period with the
R&D sector, CaSE recommends four actions for government and
the sector to take:
-
Nurture and strengthen the foundations of the R&D
base with policies that recognise the sector's
diversity and support the pathways of both research and
development.
-
Provide sustained support and
continuity through long-term funding to secure
infrastructure, build lasting partnerships and maintain public
confidence.
-
Prioritise and be more strategic to
compete globally, attract investment, and deepen international
collaboration.
-
Make the R&D sector more visible and clearer about
its value so it earns lasting public and
political support.
The vision, published
earlier this year, makes a case for action.
It identifies the need to strengthen the R&D base
if by 2045 the R&D system is to be one that: delivers
benefits for the economy and society; is embedded in society with
greater public involvement; fosters national capability while
being outward looking; and features in an open innovation system,
with strong public and private collaboration.
CaSE carried out a deeper exploration of the vision through
a series of roundtables. Each roundtable had representatives from
CaSE's members and the wider sector, spanning universities,
research institutes, Government, not-for profits, industry and
learned and professional societies. The three roundtables focused
on the different themes of the vision, with conversations
considering the current policy environment, where we are now, and
what is needed to take things forward.
Commenting:
Dr Camilla d'Angelo, Policy Manager, Campaign for Science
and Engineering (CaSE):
This work demonstrates that the sector has an ambitious vision
for what a thriving, resilient R&D system should look like by
2045.
Our conversations this year point to clear actions the R&D
sector and the Government should take today for getting there.
First and foremost, we need to nurture the foundations of the
R&D base through long-term funding and sustained support.
Dr Daniel Rathbone, Deputy Executive Director, Campaign
for Science and Engineering (CaSE):
Achieving this vision will require deliberate choices by the
sector and by policymakers. We live in a rapidly changing
world that presents a deep challenge for the R&D sector but
also a real opportunity for positive change.
By enacting the policies we need now and by telling a compelling
story about how R&D contributes to a better future we can
take the first steps towards a positive vision.
At CaSE we are determined to drive change as a sector to be more
open, inclusive, and responsive, to turn passive public support
into a deeper connection. If we do all these things, R&D can
help shape events rather than simply react to them, creating a
resilient and trusted system capable of delivering economic and
societal benefits for everyone.
