The Royal Society’s representation to the Comprehensive Spending Review 2020 suggests a number of specific policy actions that HM Treasury should consider to realise the greatest benefits from investment in research and innovation and deliver against the government’s stated priorities.
These include actions to:
- Be an active participant in European and global science
- Drive global action on green recovery and other critical areas
- Prevent a lost generation of researchers and innovators by addressing the effects of the pandemic on education and career progression and securing the health and strength of the research and innovation system they work within
- Establish a royal commission to reshape our education system to give the breadth of knowledge, experience, creativity, resilience and skills that are vital for everyone to thrive in the 21st century
- Attract the best international talent and ensure that our researchers can work with the best elsewhere
- Attract foreign direct investment (FDI) by showcasing the breadth of the UK’s strength in research and innovation
- Better prepare for identified risks on the National Risk Register to mitigate their economic and social impact and build resilience to future shocks