24.09.07
In a move that will give some in the research world cause for concern, Alistair Darling?s first policy speech as Chancellor has been seen as signaling a move away from basic scientific research and towards commercial innovation
In a wide-ranging speech delivered at London Business School, Mr. Darling considered the economic challenges posed by globalization. ‘Let me be clear,’ he said, ‘investing in and being good at science is just the start. It's what we do with it that matters. While Britain's record of scientific discovery is one of the best in the world, others have too often been better at converting discovery into economic opportunity.’
'Increase... innovation in the economy'
While pledging that public investment in science will increase every year to over £6 billion by 2011, the Chancellor made sure to point out that this investment is not only for basic research. ‘Our 10 year public-private science framework is to both to increase the total level of innovation in the economy and also encourage a more seamless progression from pure scientific invention to commercial success.’