A strategic framework for science in Scotland
The Scottish Executive published its first Science Strategy - A Science Strategy for Scotland - in August 2001.
The strategy provides a framework of policies to guide the detailed development of policy for the support and use of science to achieve the Scottish Executive's objectives. A progress report was produced in February 2006.
A consultation on a Science and Innovation Strategy for Scotland was completed in January 2007 and a report on this was published in September 2007.
The Government Economic Strategy published by the Scottish Government in November 2007 defined the Purpose (see below) and confirmed plans to "develop a new science strategy for Scotland, outlining how science will underpin Scotland's success as a nation through:
- developing knowledge exchange between academia and business;
- increasing the flow of overseas investment into Scotland's R&D base; and
- developing the science base"
Three short-life working groups were established in March 2007 to consider the consultation responses and develop policy options relating to each of the three key themes identified in GES:
- Maintaining and developing the excellence of the science research base
- Enhancing international connections and capturing overseas investment
- Intensifying knowledge exchange between academia and business
(N.B the other four consultation themes identified in the 2006-07 consultation will be taken forward in parallel, for example, business innovation will be addressed through an innovation framework.) (link back to consultation page)
One other key factor relevant to progressing this work is implementation and the Government's approach to accountability and measurement as defined by the National Performance Framework, including specifically:
- Outcome - We are better educated, more skilled and more successful, renowned for our research and innovation
- Indicator/Target - at least halve the gap in total research and development spending compared with EU average by 2011
- Indicator/Target - Improve knowledge transfer from research activity in universities
- Indicator/Target - Improve people's perceptions, attitudes and awareness of Scotland's reputation
Work on the development of the strategic framework will take account of:
- Prior formal engagement with stakeholders in Scotland
- Liaison with UK Government (Research Councils have a UK-wide remit)
- Parallel development of innovation policy as envisaged by the Government's Economic Strategy; and the aims and objectives of Skills for Scotland
- Relevant outputs from the Joint Future Thinking Taskforce on Universities
- Advice and guidance from the Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Anne Glover, and the Council of Economic Advisers
- Informal ongoing dialogue with stakeholders
(Note - The purpose is to focus the Government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunity for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth.)