The UK government has published its long awaited science and innovation strategy, but many of the questions asked by the science community will not be answered until the next spending review. The strategy re-iterated capital spending plans set out in the autumn statement, but does not commit to ringfencing the science budget or to increase R&D expenditure in line with competitors.
The government said it recognised that the science base needs 'adequate resource funding' not just capital investment, and that R&D spending by departments needed to be prioritised – both of which would be considered in 2015.
The strategy puts emphasis on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills: £67 million is earmarked to train up to 17,500 more STEM teachers over the next parliament and recruit another 2500 specialist maths and physics teachers. More apprenticeships will be delivered by creating national colleges in digital skills, wind energy and advanced manufacturing, with a £5 million pot to support the best candidates. The government said it expected further and higher education to take more account of STEM skills shortages.
It also wants to create another two catapults next year: energy systems and precision medicine, to add to the existing network. How much funding, or where these will be is not specified. There is also a £30 million commitment for UK involvement in the European x-ray free electron laser project being built near Hamburg, Germany, and £20 million to create an Inspiring Science Capital Fund, to encourage public engagement in science.
A raft of reviews are to be carried out, including efficiencies in universities and making sure that the research councils are investing public money wisely. There's recognition of the increasingly competitive environment for R&D too, which will mean that the country will need to compete to attract investment and skills, but also build on relationships with new scientific powers like China and South Africa.
