Member Article

Science and technology investment working in North East

Centres of science and technology excellence in the North East yesterday reacted to some of the recent investment plans outlined by soon-to-be Prime Minister Gordon Brown. While CELS and Cenamps welcomed the aspiration to commit ‘one pound in every 10’ of public money to education, science and innovation, the proposal to move the Office of Science and Innovation from the trade to education departments raises concerns.

Mike Pitkethly, CEO of Cenamps, a centre for emerging technologies said: “The North East is a prime example of how the transformation to a more knowledge-based economy can be accelerated by a top-down approach. “It is vitally important that development of technology from science has a strong industrial emphasis and there is a danger that moving the Office of Science and Innovation into Department for Education and Skills could weaken the link to between science and technology.”

Mike Asher, CEO of CELS, adds: “In North East England, increased government spending on science and technology, and a greater emphasis on extracting commercial opportunities, has helped to create a thriving science and technology economy. However, this success means that we now have a situation where the demand for life sciences graduates in North East England outstrips supply. A lot of our work now focuses on partnering with universities to ensure a steady flow of talent to the region’s life sciences businesses, so increased spending on education within science and technology has to be a good thing for this region.

“The challenge here in the UK is to increase private investment in science and technology, something that is more prevalent in the US – perhaps because of different attitudes to risk. A more proactive approach to supporting science and technology is essential to ensure the UK remains globally competitive as countries such as China and India develop.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .