The Race to the Top

The long awaited review by the former Minister of Science Lord Sainsbury has been published by the Government today.  Lord Sainsbury was commissioned by the Prime Minister to produce a major study of the UK Science and Innovation System and to make recommendations for the future.  

Today the Government has announced it accepts these recommendations. 

1. A new package of support for Technology and Innovation in Business. The Technology Strategy Board will develop and lead a strategic programme worth £1billion over the next three years in partnership with the Research Councils and the Regional Development Agencies.

2. The development of a detailed strategy for Science and Innovation by the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skill (DIUS) which will incorporate plans for the implementation of the Review.

3. New measures to improve further the teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, by boosting investments in the training of specialist science teachers, improving STEM careers advice and doubling the number of science and engineering school clubs.

4. Increasing International collaborations to help attract researchers from abroad and link British researchers with the best and brightest researchers globally, and expanding the "Science Bridge" scheme to build links with leading scientific nations.

5. DIUS will produce an annual cross-government Innovation Report this will report on the innovation activities of DIUS including the TSBs and the RDAs.