The Prime Minister of Britain, Rishi Sunak, launched a new framework as part of a vision that would cement the U.K.’s place as a superpower in science and technology by 2030. The framework was created with his newly established ministry, the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology.
The new Science and Technology Framework, according to the British Indian leader, is intended to put pressure on all levels of government to better position the U.K. at the forefront of global science and technology this decade through 10 key actions, creating a coordinated cross-government strategy.
The framework will cooperate with a slew of fresh initiatives backed by more than £370 million in funding, according to Downing Street, to increase investment in innovation, attract the best talent from around the world to the U.K., and tap into the potential of game-changing new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).
Mr. Sunak remarked that trailblazing science and invention have always been ingrained in their DNA. Yet they can only stay ahead with focus, dynamism, and leadership in a world that is becoming more and more competitive.
For this reason, they are outlining 10 key actions as part of a bold new plan to solidify their position as a global science and technology superpower by 2030. These actions range from pursuing transformational technologies like AI and supercomputing to luring top talent and ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed. According to him, the more innovative they are, the more they can expand the economy, produce future high-paying employment, safeguard their security, and enhance people’s lives all around the nation.
The delivery of the new framework is planned to begin immediately with a first batch of initiatives, which are assessed as being worth roughly £ 500 million in new and existing funds towards skills and infrastructure to help the UK establish itself as a global leader in “game-changing technologies”.
The future of the UK is in innovation and technology. As the new U.K. Secretary for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Michelle Donelan stated that they hold the keys to everything from raising productivity and wages to transforming healthcare, lowering energy prices, and ultimately creating jobs and economic growth in the UK. They also provide the financial firepower that enables them to spend more on public services.
She further added that this is the reason why today they are putting the full weight of the British Government and their private sector partners behind our push to become a scientific and technological superpower because only by being world leaders in future industries like AI and quantum computing will they be able to improve the lives of every Briton.
To address major global concerns like healthcare and climate change, it involves a £250 million investment in three “truly transformational” technologies: engineering biology, quantum technology, and artificial intelligence.
Additionally, up to £50 million has been set aside to encourage private sector and philanthropic investment in science to fuel future discoveries. Additionally, £117 million in existing funding has been set aside to create hundreds of new PhDs for AI researchers, and £8 million has been set aside to identify the next generation of AI leaders worldwide to conduct their research in the UK.
As part of its scientific cooperation with the EU, the British Government recently announced a further extension of the financial guarantee given to U.K. Horizon Europe applicants until June 30, 2023.
