The next Welsh Government must prioritise research and innovation, argues Learned Society of Wales
Wales must make better use of the world-class research and innovation from its higher education institutions and recognise that funding research is an investment and not a cost.
This is the message from the Learned Society of Wales’ submission to the Welsh Government’s call for submissions on the future of tertiary education.
It argues that research and innovation is pivotal to economic growth, the NHS, and Wales’ social and culture progress. Furthermore, prioritising the needs of research and innovation from Wales would be a popular move, with the public in Wales amongst the most keen of all UK regions to see politicians pay more attention to science and innovation (61%).
The submission makes four headline recommendations:
- Prioritise the critical research and innovation sector
- Appoint a Minister for Research and Innovation
- Invest in research, and review the university funding model
- Utilise Wales’ National Academy
It argues that Wales needs to do far more to recognise and boost the economic impact of its universities, pointing to evidence that shows how more than 400,000 extra graduates will be needed in Wales to meet to skills and workforce gaps. The benefits of a well-funded research sector can pay rich dividends, with every £1 of public research and innovation funding generating £2 in private investment, and £7 in economic benefits.
With 70% of assessed Welsh university research having a direct impact in Wales, the submission lists how specific Welsh research has a direct impact across all key government portfolios. This ranges from world-leading dementia research to the development of world-leading semi-conductor technology, from robotic crop harvesting to the development of the Wales British Sign Language Act.
“This submission is a comprehensive and evidence-lead document,” said Professor Elizabeth Treasure FLSW, chair of Fellows’ group that oversaw the submission.
“”It demonstrates why the next Welsh Government must prioritise research and innovation for Wales to thrive. To do otherwise would be hugely self-damaging.
“Our submission also shows the value of being able to draw upon the collective experience of our Fellows. We stand ready to support the next government in realising the benefits of research for Wales.”