Leveraging Science, Technology, and Innovation for National Growth

Chi Onwurah MP

Chair of the Science, Technology and Innovation Select Committee

In an exclusive interview with the new Chair of the Science, Technology and Innovation Select Committee, Chi Onwurah MP outlines her ambitious plans for a future-ready Britain.

Chi Onwurah, the newly appointed Chair of the Science, Technology and Innovation Select Committee, has set her sights on a forward-thinking agenda that places science, innovation, and technology at the heart of Britain’s growth strategy. In an exclusive interview, she shared her vision for driving technological advancement, bridging gaps in scientific policy, and ensuring public engagement in the nation’s future progress.

“Science and innovation have been a huge part of my life since I was nine, and I decided to become a scientist,” she noted. Having spent over a decade shadowing digital and technological briefs, she is now positioned to steer a critical parliamentary committee responsible for ensuring the UK maximizes its scientific potential.

A Three-pillar Approach to Innovation

Chi Onwurah’s strategy as Chair revolves around three key themes, each designed to address the most pressing issues facing the UK’s science and tech sectors.

1. Science and Technology for Growth
   Onwurah’s first priority is to align her committee’s work with the Government’s primary goal – growth. “We need to understand how science, innovation, and technology can drive growth across the country,” she emphasised. She highlighted Britain’s “fantastic science base” and the flourishing tech start-up scene as vital engines for national growth. However, she also stressed that promoting and supporting these industries is crucial for turning potential into prosperity. Onwurah envisions a future where science and technology initiatives are not only central to economic strategy but distributed across regions to ensure national participation in innovation.
2. Addressing Underrepresented Areas and Untapped Policies
   The second pillar of Onwurah’s plan is focused on what she calls “unsuccessful or underrepresented” policy areas. One major point of concern is diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). As an engineer herself, she noted the glaring lack of representation, particularly of women, in the field. “It’s crucial that we push for greater inclusion across the board,” she asserted. In addition, she is keen to investigate areas that have not received enough policy attention, such as the reproducibility of scientific research. Onwurah aims to foster a more inclusive scientific community while addressing overlooked systemic issues that could hinder progress.
3. Technology in the Public Interest
   Onwurah’s final priority is ensuring that technology benefits the public and addresses societal challenges. She pointed to the ongoing debates around the impact of social media algorithms and the growing concern about the security of critical infrastructure. “There is a relationship between new technologies and public safety that we must explore,” she said. Onwurah’s agenda involves scrutinising these intersections between technology and societal welfare, from street safety to infrastructure resilience. She sees the potential of technology not only as a tool for innovation but also as a means of safeguarding and improving lives.

A Collaborative and Inclusive Approach to Leadership

One of Onwurah’s standout commitments is her dedication to ensuring that every member of the Science, Technology and Innovation Select Committee can contribute meaningfully. Drawing from her experience in chairing cross-party parliamentary groups, she intends to foster an inclusive environment where diverse voices and expertise shape the committee’s work. “It’s essential that parliament can speak credibly on scientific and technological issues,” she stated.

She also underscored the importance of taking the committee’s work beyond Westminster, with plans to hold sittings across the country. “By meeting in different constituencies, we can engage more voices and attract a wider audience,” she said. This decentralised approach not only aligns with her commitment to regional growth but also promises to bring the public closer to the decision-making process in science and technology policy.

A Visionary Future for Britain’s Tech Sector

Onwurah’s vision for the UK’s science, technology, and innovation landscape is one of ambition and promise. With a Government committed to leveraging these sectors for public good, and with the country’s tech start-up sector gaining momentum, she sees a big opportunity to propel Britain forward. However, her leadership comes with a critical understanding of the challenges that remain.

The inclusion of underrepresented groups in STEM fields and the scrutiny of neglected policy areas reflect her awareness of the existing gaps that could stifle progress. Moreover, her focus on public safety and the societal implications of technology show that she is not only interested in fostering innovation but also in ensuring that it benefits all of society.

Onwurah’s initiatives signal a more holistic approach to science and technology policy – one that doesn’t just aim for economic growth but seeks to make growth inclusive, responsible, and grounded in the public interest. Her commitment to collaboration, both within Parliament and with external stakeholders, could serve as a model for other select committees and political bodies.

To watch the full interview clips, please click here.

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