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Science Minister attended the Research
Day of the Competitiveness Council to exchange views on
research and innovation developments
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The UK is a world leader in research and
innovation, and sharing this knowledge and expertise
internationally is vital to address global
challenges
The importance of international collaboration was
reinforced on Friday 2 February by Science Minister
at the Research Day of the
EU Competitiveness Council in Bulgaria, where he outlined
his desire to see the principles of excellence,
competitiveness and openness to the world to remain the
guiding principles of European science and innovation, and
for the UK to play a leading role in shaping these
principles, both now and in the future.
He further stressed these messages in bilateral meetings
with his counterparts from other member states while
discussing the concerns of British and European
researchers. The Minister reiterated the government’s
desire for an ambitious science and innovation agreement
with the EU, and the UK’s commitment to guarantee
competitive EU funds bid for while the UK is a member of
the EU.
The informal Council provides a forum for European Research
Ministers to discuss EU policy on research and innovation,
and this time around the Council had a particular focus on
boosting innovation and investing in people. During the
meeting, the Minister highlighted how the UK’s
ambitious Industrial
Strategy has science and research at its heart, as
well as outlining the contribution that British knowledge
and expertise is making to the UK helping tackle global
challenges and the UK’s commitment to developing the
technologies of the future.
Following the Council, Science Minister said:
The Competitiveness Council provided a fantastic
opportunity to discuss the importance of working together
for the advancement of research and innovation, ensuring
UK researchers can continue collaborating on European
programmes.
The UK has world-leading academic institutions and an
internationally recognised science and innovation base,
with some of the best minds from across world coming to
research here.
Through the government’s ambitious vision for an
Industrial Strategy we are committed to ensuring the UK
remains a ‘go to’ destination for research and innovation
for years to come.
That’s why it’s in all our interests to pursue a deep and
special partnership with the EU recognising our shared
interest in maintaining and strengthening research
collaboration and driving innovation.
