Science and engineering support is a must if Britain is to remain competitive

12 March, 2010

In the ‘Ingenious Britain’ report, James Dyson targets culture, education, universities and research and development – aiming to make Britain Europe’s leading high tech exporter.

Last October, David Cameron asked James Dyson to help the Conservatives reawaken Britain’s innate inventiveness and creativity. With the support and advice of some of the UK’s most esteemed UK industry and academic leaders, Dyson has developed policy recommendations aimed at influencing the agenda of future government.

Dyson said: “We need to inspire and enlighten people: science and engineering can change lives, society and the economy. High tech exports create real wealth and jobs and will help set us on a course for sustainable prosperity. If we don’t capitalise on our engineering expertise now there’ll be no turning back.

“Change must start with Government. We in Britain have brilliant minds, a world renowned university system, and a base of ingenious, specialist technology companies. We need to build on this success: encouraging more people to become engineers and scientists by developing a cultural attitude and education system that encourages and nurtures new talent. Then we need to harness their ideas and turn them into products the world wants.”

Dyson’s report looks at:-

Culture
The UK’s science, engineering and manufacturing base has been neglected for decades. As a result they are undervalued and misunderstood. Government can change attitudes through encouraging research, delivering skills and backing significant infrastructure projects. It must make early and bold decisions on large scale engineering projects to demonstrate Britain’s high tech ability.

Education
Science, Design and Technology in schools have been marginalised and the UK is not producing enough scientists and engineers. We need to encourage more people to take up these subjects – and produce the best teachers to inspire them. Government should make teacher recruitment more flexible and encourage independent schools to share there expertise and experience with state schools.

Universities
Globally, the UK excels at university based research, but a disjointed system means that little of our blue skies research is shares or used commercially by UK companies. Government should seek to reform how universities are funded and assessed to give them the flexibility to provide what students and companies want – such as shorter courses with industry experience.

Financing start-ups
There are not enough entrepreneurial finance available to fund innovative UK companies. This has been exacerbated by the global recession. Government must use the power of government guarantees to encourage lenders to extend credit to small, inventive businesses.

Supporting high tech companies
If the UK is to compete and prosper as Europe’s leading technology exporter, we need to increase R&D investment. Tax credits must be refocused onto high tech companies, small businesses and new start-ups in order to stimulate a new wave of technology. When the public finances allow, the rate should be increased to 200 per cent. The claim process must also be streamlined. These changes need not necessarily lead to a higher overall cost to the exchequer.

Commenting on Dyson’s report, CBI head of Enterprise and Innovation, Dr Tim Bradshaw, said: “Science and engineering need greater backing if the UK is to create more skilled jobs and attract global investment. The report makes some positive suggestions, such as improving science teaching in schools.

“However, R+D tax credits should not be restricted to SMEs and high-tech firms, but should be available to companies of all sizes and sectors. This would encourage all businesses to grow through investment and innovation.

“Similarly, the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) should concentrate on businesses with high-growth potential, rather than Dyson’s proposal that it focus on high-tech firms alone.”

Read Dyson’s report in full – see attached file