In the new edition of the Chamber UK Journal, Chair of the Liberal Democrat Science, Innovation and Technology Working Group, Jonathan Everett explores the disconnect between public and political views on science and technology, advocating for a liberal strategy to effectively communicate the benefits of investment in innovation and ensure policies align with public empowerment, sustainability, and internationalism.
Political Versus Public Opinion
There is considerable agreement across political parties on science and technology policy. It is widely recognised that science and innovation are key strengths for the UK, with many embracing technological optimism – the belief that technology can solve major societal challenges. However, there is a disconnect between the views of political leaders and the public. Research by the Campaign for Science and Engineering indicates that many young people and those in lower socioeconomic groups do not feel they benefit from investments in research and development (R&D).
This disconnect is concerning because science and technology policy decisions have high stakes – enabling us to tackle global warming, improve productivity in public services, tackle regional inequality, the list goes on. But it is an area where decisions are long-term, and governments are not necessarily likely to see the fruits of their decisions. The public will take even longer to be aware of them. When there is a period of technological disruption, as there currently is with AI, some people will lose out – and this will be felt especially sharply in the aftermath of the cost-of-living crisis. There is a risk that the disconnect grows, and it becomes harder for politicians to make the case for investment in critical technologies.
A Liberal Strategy
Effectively communicating science and technology policy in a way that resonates with the public is crucial. For the Liberal Democrats, this involves linking science and skills investment to liberal values: empowering individuals, opportunity for all, and putting power in people’s hands; holding powerful interests to account; and internationalism, collaboration, and sustainability.
A compelling narrative can be built around how scientific skills and technologies can empower people, eg. the current mathematical education system works well for high performers but fails many others. The Royal Society has called for a radical overhaul of maths education to focus on a fusion of mathematics, statistics, and data science underpinned by digital technologies. This should empower people leaving school to act as informed citizens and to be able to make the most of new technologies in the workplace. Then, looking to new technologies, there is a rich story to tell about how, for example, AI can enable people to perform a task they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.
Internationalism, a core liberal value, is vital for our R&D sector. The university sector, in particular, has been hit by measures that discourage international students and increase visa costs for researchers. Continuing down this path will harm the UK’s competitiveness in science and innovation. Simple measures, such as reducing visa costs and committing to long-term international cooperation programs like Horizon, could improve the situation. However, this is easier if the public appreciates the importance of R&D.
Then, there is the question of a national industrial strategy. A government is bound to have such a strategy – the question is whether it is explicit or whether it becomes an inadvertent consequence of other decisions. To build public confidence, it is important to make these choices explicitly – and to actually make decisions about specific areas that the UK will focus on. A focus on green energy is clearly a necessary part of this. The challenge is that the benefits of an industrial strategy will not be naturally obvious to the public – some thought needs to be given as to whether it is possible to identify visible markers of success that can occur in shorter timeframes. We also need to recognise that people will not always be positively impacted by technology in the short term, and a long-term people strategy should be developed alongside the industrial strategy.
Final Thought
Public support for science and technology cannot be assumed. While making the right policy decisions is crucial, it is equally important to demonstrate to people how these policies benefit them – something that is often challenging. Liberal Democrats are looking at how we might most effectively do this, and we will be publishing our proposals at the start of next year.
“It’s almost a luxury to fund R&D at this moment. It would be nice to put other areas that the Government oversees in order before we start spending money on possible, probable, maybes and maybe nots.”
Therapist, Female, 63, Mansfield
“It’d be nice to see some returns, or some evidence that the investment that we’re putting in has created something. At the end of the day, it’s taxpayers’ money. It’s our money. And we never see detail.”
Mechanical Engineer, Male, 60, Greater Manchester
This article appears in the new edition of the Chamber UK Journal, click below to sign up to our newsletter to read the full edition online!
