The Government's Science and Innovation Framework 2004-2014 and its Next Steps report rehearses the importance of the development and dissemination of knowledge. It commits substantial Government resources to the research base. We want all forms of research and knowledge transfer to be recognised, valued and funded - including under RAE 2008 and subsequent reviews. Business views on excellence and relevance should be taken more into account in the future allocation of funds. Partnerships should be encouraged. We support research and knowledge transfer being evaluated against a relevant range of metrics that values excellence, encourages multidisciplinary activity and incentivises closer links between businesses of all sizes and the excellence in our higher education institutions. Business views should inform discussions on the strategic direction and allocation of future Government spending and we welcome the establishment of an independent Technology Strategy Board.
Hence CIHE:
- will keep under review Government proposals for the RAE post 2008
- continue to work with the Government on metrics for research and knowledge transfer that take into account the views of business and economic and community outcomes
- are undertaking a four country (UK, Canada, US, Japan) analysis with others to better inform policy makers, academics and businesses on how value might best be identified and captured in the research value chain
- see merit in the US approach to encouraging innovation through public procurement including via SBIR/STTR
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