Policy: Launch of New UK Science and Technology Framework

New plan to ‘cement the UK’s place as a science and technology superpower by 2030’.

The Science and Technology Framework is the first major initiative from the newly-created Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and is backed by over £370 million in new government funding to boost investment in innovation, bring the world’s best talent to the UK, and better put the UK at the forefront of global science and technology.

The delivery of the new Framework will begin immediately with an initial raft of projects to help ensure the UK has the skills and infrastructure to take a global lead in game-changing technologies.

The first package of projects under the Science and Technology Framework includes:

  • £250 million investment in three ‘truly transformational’ technologies to build on the UK’s global leadership in AI, quantum technologies and engineering biology, so they can help a range of industries tackle the biggest global challenges like climate change and health care.
  • £117 million of existing funding to create hundreds of new PhDs for AI researchers and £8 million to find the next generation of AI leaders around the world to do their research in the UK.
  • A £50 million uplift to World Class Labs funding to help research institutes and universities to improve facilities.
  • A £10 million uplift to the UK Innovation and Science Seed Fund, totalling £50 million, to boost the UK’s next tech and science start-ups.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

“Trailblazing science and innovation have been in our DNA for decades. But in an increasingly competitive world, we can only stay ahead with focus, dynamism and leadership.

“That’s why we’re setting out 10 key actions under a bold new plan to cement our place as a global science and technology superpower by 2030 – from pursuing transformational technologies like AI and supercomputing to attracting top talent and ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed.

“The more we innovate, the more we can grow our economy, create the high-paid jobs of the future, protect our security, and improve lives across the country.”

(This report was the subject of a RESEARCHconnect Newsflash.)