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Foreword
Recently I met the best of the new generation of Scotland's scientists to celebrate their success and encourage them to achieve even more.
The Government is ambitious for Scotland. Our purpose is to create a more successful Scotland with opportunities for all to flourish through increasing sustainable economic growth. We want Scotland to be smarter, safer and stronger, wealthier and fairer, greener and healthier.
Of course our nation is not immune from the turbulence affecting all countries and global markets. We are, however, better placed than at any time in the past to address these challenges, using our strengths to establish competitive advantage and position Scotland to recover fast and well as recession ends.
Science is key to that. It will help:
- Deliver improvements in public services, such as to the NHS;
- Identify strategic growth opportunities for existing businesses using science to solve their problems, develop new products or exceed their customers' needs;
- Attract inward investment, and provide jobs - for the highly skilled and qualified - in sectors that underpin our economy;
- Find answers to global issues which impact our daily lives such as climate change and food security, and develop technology to enhance our living and work spaces and keep us connected or entertained.
The Economic Strategy published in 2007 confirmed plans to prepare a new science framework focused on developing the science base, international profile and attracting inward investment, and developing knowledge exchange.
Science for Scotland does that. It sets out what Government will do - in partnership - to support and build on our world-class science community, and to use that strength innovatively to support growth in businesses in Scotland. In response to feedback from stakeholders, it also sets out actions to build on Curriculum for Excellence and aspects of New Horizons to foster the varied but highly skilled science and engineering workforce of the future. Together we will foster skills for learning, life, work and business, and make science in schools, colleges and universities more challenging, relevant, and exciting, helping future generations reinvent our world.
Science for Scotland is about making better connections and changing cultures. It is about using the strength of our science base to better support innovation and growth. Together we can create a more successful Scotland.
FIONA HYSLOP MSP
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning
November 2008
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