NCCPE response to the R&D Roadmap consultation
August 2020 saw the publication of the government's summary of responses to the UK R&D Roadmap. We explore what the summary had to say for public engagement.
The Government's UK Research and Development (R&D) Roadmap aims to ensure the UK is the best place in the world for scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs to live and work. This will help to power up our economic recovery and level up the UK. They describe the roadmap ‘as the start of a big conversation on what actions need to be taken and how. Over the coming months we will develop the proposals in our roadmap in a comprehensive R&D plan. This plan will only be effective if it is developed with people and organisations across the UK. We therefore welcome responses to the high-level questions outlined in this survey’. The consultation includes 8 questions:
- How can we best increase knowledge and understanding through research, including by achieving bigger breakthroughs?
- How can we maximise the economic, environmental and societal impact of research through effective application of new knowledge?
- How can we encourage innovation and ensure it is used to greatest effect, not just in our cutting-edge industries, but right across the economy and throughout our public services?
- How can we attract, retain and develop talented and diverse people to R&D roles? How can we make R&D for everyone?
- How should we ensure that R&D plays its fullest role in levelling up all over the UK?
- How should we strengthen our research infrastructure and institutions in support of our vision?
- How should we most effectively and safely collaborate with partners and networks around the globe?
- How can we harness excitement about this vision, listen to a wider range of voices to ensure R&D is delivering for society, and inspire a whole new generation of scientists, researchers, technicians, engineers, and innovators? We have included our response to each of these questions below.