Five key areas identified by new UK sci/tech framework

AI, Engineering Biology, Future Telecoms, Semiconductors and Quantum Technologies are the five critical areas outlined in the new report, titled The UK Science and Technology Framework: taking a systems approach to UK science and technology. According to the government, more than 50 different technologies were assessed across a range of criteria. The list will be reviewed annually by the National Science and Technology Council, though major changes will require a ‘high bar’ due to the need for long-term strategic planning.

The identification of these five technologies is just one of the ten strands outlined in the Framework, developed by the newly formed Department for Science, Innovation & Technology ‘in close collaboration with the UK science and technology sector’. Backed by £370m of funding, the Framework is designed as a roadmap for UK science and technology up to the end of the decade. The government says that a clear action plan for each of the below strands will be in place by summer 2023, with overall delivery overseen by the National Science and Technology Council. The full list is:

• identifying critical technologies
• signalling the UK’s strengths and ambitions
• investment in R&D
• talent and skills
• financing innovative science and technology companies
• procurement
• international opportunities
• access to physical and digital infrastructure
• regulation and standards
• innovative public sector

“The 10 point plan expertly integrates research and innovation strategies from across government, to provide a clear, actionable plan for the UK’s prosperity,” said Prof Dame Ottoline Leyser, chief executive of UK Research and Innovation.

“The sustained and long-term commitment to this plan will allow all UK citizens to reap the benefits of UK’s strengths in research and innovation.”

Royal Academy of Engineering president, Prof Sir Jim McDonald FREng FRSE, also welcomed the new Framework.  

“It is very positive to see the new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology already contributing to a more joined-up, cross-government approach to advancing the pro-innovation policies that will be essential for the UK to thrive and to help tackle global challenges,” he said.

“We welcome the focus in the Framework on both securing UK advantage in strategically important technologies and ensuring that these strengths translate into benefits that improve people’s lives.  It is vital that we can attract and retain global talent and investment, and provide progressive leadership in the development of these disruptive technologies that are already touching our lives, will create economic opportunities, and have the potential to shape our future in profound ways.  We look forward to working with the government to harness the expertise of the technology and engineering community in delivering on the aspirations of the Framework.”

Prof Sir Ian Boyd, president of the Royal Society of Biology, added: “Science and technology is already a central plank of modern life. Putting this centre-stage in government strategy is essential and welcome.  The question is whether the ambition reflected in this plan can now be translated into truly transformative action.”