TheConfederation of British industry(CBI) has called for urgent action on the UK's science
skills base after the publication of Lord's Sainsbury's review of
science and innovation.
Lord Sainsbury said in the
review that scientific and technological innovation is crucial
for the UK's economy, and devoted £1bn funding to improving it.
"The challenge is not to hide behind trade barriers or engage in
a 'race to the bottom' but to invest in the future in areas such as
knowledge generation, innovation, education, re-training, and
technological infrastructure," he said.
One of his recommendations was a leadership role for the new
Technology Strategy Board (TSB), which is charged with
co-ordinating public sector support for technological innovation
and simplifying access to funds for business.
The review also announced a major campaign to enhance the
teaching of science and technology.
John Cridland, CBI's deputy director-general, said, "We are
particularly pleased to see the enhanced role the CBI proposed for
the new Technology Strategy Board adopted. The TSB could be a real
catalyst for the development of new technology in the UK."
But he said the importance of technology and its current skills
deficit meant even more resources were needed to boost the
situation.
"The increase to £1bn funding over three years is a start, but
only half of what we believe is needed to make a really radical
difference.
"Tackling the decline in the number of young people studying
science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) subjects must be
at the top of the government's agenda, at a time when business
demand for these skills is growing fast.
"We urgently need more specialist science teachers, better
careers advice and more young people studying three separate
sciences at GCSE. The CBI is also calling for a £1,000 annual
bursary for Stem undergraduates to reflect the importance of these
skills to the UK economy."