Campaign for Science and Engineering

Continuing our advocacy ahead of next weeks budget, CaSE and the Science Media Centre have coordinated a letter to The Times from eminent figures in UK research and development expressing concerns about potential cuts to the R&D budget. ✍🏼CaSE website: https://lnkd.in/e9Am8WG7 ✍🏼Times website: https://lnkd.in/e23U7n62

Today we have published our 2023-24 Annual Review. From sector leading advocacy ahead of the General Election to highly influential Public Opinion work, this review looks back at CaSE’s activities and main achievements this year. Explore our year ⬇️⬇️ https://lnkd.in/dwfDMrMy

We’ve written a letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves urging her to use the Budget on 30 October to protect funding for R&D. We recognise that there are difficult decisions to be made with the public finances, but it is vital that our long-term ability to grow the economy isn’t undermined by the false economy of short-term cuts.  Cuts to investment in R&D now would damage the sector right when it is needed to make a vital contribution to boosting economic growth and productivity.” Thank you to all the organisations who signed up to the letter. This is an issue that matter to us all and we hope that the Chancellor will take on board our recommendation. Read the full letter here: https://lnkd.in/e8_vmuKX

Last month, CaSE sent every Westminster MP a bespoke booklet to: 1️⃣ Share our constituency-level analysis on public appetite for R&D 2️⃣ Invite them to connect with local CaSE members 3️⃣ Encourage them to start a conversation about what R&D means for their constituency and the UK   The booklets shared examples of R&D happening in the MP's own region. These case studies were provided by CaSE members and showcase the fantastic breadth and depth of UK R&D.    Visit our website to: explore a digital copy of the booklet; search and download specific constituency booklets; and explore the full catalogue of R&D case studies.    This project was kindly sponsored by the University of Strathclyde https://lnkd.in/eGpakA5y

Today, the Government has released its Industrial Strategy green paper, and it is encouraging to see an emphasis on the importance of UK R&D and innovation to developing the UK’s growth-driving sectors. This aligns strongly with our next piece of work on the role of R&D and innovation in delivering the Government’s priorities and missions. With the spring Spending Review on the horizon, it is more important than ever to make the case for R&D and innovation as an integral part of tackling the challenges facing the UK. We’re convening our university, business and charity members and other stakeholders through a series of roundtables across the UK to highlight the importance of R&D and innovation to the Government’s priorities and explore what’s needed from Government for R&D to fulfill this role. Read about our upcoming work: https://lnkd.in/gXGXimB2

The 12th October marked 100 days since the new Government came to office. CaSE has taken a look at progress to date against our 100 day plan, which we published immediately after the General Election setting out how the Government can support the R&D sector and unlock its potential for economic growth. Check out our analysis below to discover where we are now on four crucial areas for R&D: Providing stability and predictability Mitigating the impact of financial pressures on universities Attracting international talent Driving business investment in R&D and strengthening regional investment https://lnkd.in/gfV8mgHk

Last month CaSE convened a roundtable to discuss how long-term funding for R&D could work in practice. The discussion considered how long-term funding for R&D could work in practice given the UK’s existing framework for approving Government spending and any underlying policy that is needed. The roundtable was attended by senior subject specialists across the R&D and innovation sector, including funders, universities, businesses, research institutes, and senior civil servants from Treasury and DSIT. You can read a summary of that discussion here⬇️⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eP-V69zh

📣 Applications are open to recruit a Chair of the new Regulatory Innovation Office. RIO will reduce red tape and speed up access to new technologies that improve our daily lives. We're looking for an ambitious leader to shape a regulatory environment that is fit for the future. Apply at the link in comments 👇

CaSE is pleased to see the Government’s announcement of a new Regulatory Innovation Office to support regulators, provide regulatory certainty, and reduce delays around new and emerging technologies. This aligns with the recommendations in our report Backing Business R&D. In our report, we called for a more adaptive regulatory system – through supporting regulatory capacity and addressing regulatory uncertainty – to drive innovation and send a positive signal to R&D-intensive businesses. It is also positive that the new office will ensure greater connection between Government departments to address the cross-cutting nature of emerging technologies, something which we have also called for. https://lnkd.in/e_aCqwHy

For our People’s Vision for R&D public dialogue project, CaSE commissioned the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) to explore society’s stake in R&D. Here, NCCPE Co-director, Paul Manners, writes about his experience of the project, and shares some personal lessons learned. https://lnkd.in/e2v5Pq8R