Appeal for science in industrial strategy

Taxpayers need to be convinced that their investment in British science is well spent, advises John Kingman, chairman of UK Research and Innovation.

Today’s papers

Is the UK rigorously prioritising the very best and most exciting science, much of which is cross-cutting and interdisciplinary? Where great science can be commercialised, is this being done effectively? Are scientific research bodies making the most of linkages with Innovate UK, Britain’s innovation agency, which supports exciting developments with some of the country’s most cutting-edge businesses? The questions are raised by Mr Kingman in an article for today’s Financial Times. He argues that “the case for doing everything possible to build national strengths in science and innovation in a post-Brexit world is compelling—it is the best industrial strategy available. As the government considers its priorities in a new and unfamiliar environment, that case needs to be made—and made well.” Sounds like he could do with some help.