STEM report published (quietly)

Ian Taylor's policy group on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics will release its findings today. Click here for the pdf of the full report. It sets out nine objectives:

1. To improve the effectiveness of UK innovation
2. To use public procurement to drive innovation
3. To stimulate UK R&D investment
4. To raise school performance in STEM subjects
5. To create the environment to enable more UK universities to become world-class
6. To improve the UK’s national position in global excellence in science and technology
7. To raise the status of STEM in Britain
8. To tackle the risk-averse culture
9. To establish a Department of Science & Innovation

Alpha Galileo has more synopsis.  Whilst at 16,000 words it's not in the same league as the Social Justice and Quality of Life reports, it's strange that the STEM report hasn't been trailed in the papers or launched at an event. It hasn't even been press released yet.

There's a welcoming statement by David Cameron on the party's website:

"The Conservative Party is acutely aware that science and engineering are key to our national competitiveness - and this substantial report sets out a constructive and effective way forward for these vital industries."

The group's interim report advocated giving prize money to people and organisations that display great innovation.

2.30pm update: The Press Association has covered it now. It highlights proposals to put science labs in primary schools, and to put more money into science teachers' wages and university science departments.

Deputy Editor

Comments

[Henry Mayhew - Ukipper]

As MD of a research-led engineering company, Ecocats Ltd, I can tell you that cutting National Insurance Contributions would be the most help govt. could give us. People are key to research - in the UK they are frighteningly expensive after taxes.

All the Regional Development Authority and Business Link people who have wasted our time are a pain. Should be closed down to fund cuts to NIC.

[Jake]

Like most other things in a British context which refuse to recognise that the UK is erraticaly and grotesquly unfairly , in that there is no English representation , evolving towards a federal state , pan British education initiatives are useless .

Like most other British initiatives , it all seems a good idea but in practice they always degenerate into a unholy grab for cash between the component countries of the UK with Scotland receiving , usually , a completely unwarranted overly large and unquestioned share and England receiving nowt .

Only a specifically English STEM initiative ( an excellent idea ) , with specific and ringfenced English funding , is worth bothering about

[Dave Bartlett]

I'm glad to see that the conservatives appreciate the importance of science and engineering skills in the UK warrants its own policy group. The de-skilling under Labour has been very dispiriting.

[IRJMilne]

When are we going to get news stories about this report?