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09/03/2010
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Sir James Dyson's report 'Ingenious Britain', commissioned by the Conservative party last year to identify ways of making the UK the top high tech exporter in Europe, calls for 'cultural change' to develop higher esteem for science and engineering.
According to Sir James: "Now, more than at any time over the past 20 years, I sense there is a real opportunity to set a new vision for our economy. To do this, a new government must take immediate action to put science and engineering at the centre of its thinking – in business, industry, education and – crucially – in public culture."
 Conservative leader David Cameron said: "Sir James Dyson's report represents an exciting and ambitious step forward in our desire to make Britain Europe's leading generator of new technology." Shadow Business Secretary Ken Clarke added that a Conservative Government will 'undoubtedly follow this broad agenda'.
Included in the report's recommendations are:
* Cultural change, to develop high esteem for science and engineering, including a major national prize scheme for engineering and commitments to 'grands projets' such as high speed rail and nuclear power.
* Changes at university level to encourage more young people to choose science and engineering degrees, including: industry scholarships and greater freedom for universities.
* Changes in the way knowledge is exploited, so the UK becomes world class in taking the best new ideas out of universities and onto the market.
* Changes to improve financing for high tech start ups and a government guaranteed business loan scheme to encourage more lending by banks to innovative businesses.
* Refocusing R&D tax credits on high tech companies, small businesses and new start ups, and delivering on ambitions to deliver 25% of procurement and research contracts through small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
Commenting on the report, Dr Tim Bradshaw, Head of Enterprise and Innovation for the Confederation of British Industry, said: "Science and engineering need greater backing if the UK is to create more skilled jobs and attract global investment. The report makes some positive suggestions, such as improving science teaching in schools.
"However, R&D tax credits should not be restricted to SMEs and high tech firms, but should be available to companies of all sizes and sectors. This would encourage all businesses to grow through investment and innovation.
"Similarly, the Enterprise Investment Scheme should concentrate on businesses with high growth potential, rather than Dyson's proposal that it focus on high tech firms alone."
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Author
Graham Pitcher
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