UK research strategy at risk

An Institution of Engineering and Technology product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Apr 29, 2004

The IEE has warned that UK engineering and manufacturing's long term growth and competitiveness are at serious risk from a lack of young people choosing to pursue a career in scientific research.

The IEE has warned that UK engineering and manufacturing's long term growth and competitiveness are at serious risk from a lack of young people choosing to pursue a career in scientific research.

In its response to the Government's "Ten-year investment framework for science and innovation", the IEE points out that the UK engineering and manufacturing base makes a significant contribution to national wealth creation and quality of life, but is directly dependent on a regular flow of high quality people who can convert good ideas or inventions into substantial businesses that contribute to the UK economy.

Professor Mike Sterling, Chairman of the IEE's Research Policy Group, says: "Without 'joined up' science and education policies, together with investment in people and facilities, the UK science base risks being undermined by the growing threat from China and the Indian subcontinent.

Attracting and retaining high quality people in research is vital but the existing environment does not inspire young people to take up careers in this area.

A more dynamic and exciting approach needs to be taken to promote the vital importance of science and engineering in areas such as health, the environment, and in the development of critical infrastructures such as sustainable energy, communications, transport and water".

Dr Alf Roberts, Chief Executive at the IEE, adds: "Salary and remuneration packages must be both nationally and internationally competitive, and there must be investment in research facilities to provide a world class infrastructure and working environment.

But enthusiasm for science starts in school.

Government must also address the recruitment, training, retention and professional development of mathematics and science teachers, and reverse the decline and lack of facilities for the teaching of science, technology and engineering".

The IEE's submission highlights further areas that need to be at the forefront of strategic thinking.

A continuous public dialogue should promote and enhance awareness of the vital importance of science and engineering, emphasising their role not just in wealth creation, but also in improving quality of life, health, the environment and sustainability.

It must also be recognised that engineering and physical sciences provide an underpinning platform for the rest of science.

Mechanisms and incentives are also needed to encourage knowledge transfer between research organisations and UK industry, to avoid wealth creation benefits being amassed elsewhere.

Without this, there is a grave risk that the UK's global competitiveness will be seriously undermined.

The IEE has a worldwide membership of over 130,000 professional engineers who represent a number of key sectors including electronics, communications, computing, information technology, energy, manufacturing and transport, all of which are research and development intensive industries.

Many of the IEE's members are involved in cutting-edge scientific research, as well as in its application, exploitation and knowledge transfer.

The IEE's response to the consultation reflects the views of its specialist panels and professional networks, together with significant contributions from its members.