💡UK Moves Science Policy to Business Department
Science now under business, not tech
TL;DR
The UK government has shifted science policy from the tech department to business, sparking debate over its impact on science funding and strategy. The move involves splitting DSIT's responsibilities among other ministries, with AI getting a Cabinet-attending role.
The UK government has shifted science policy from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to the Department for Business, Innovation and Science and Trade (BIST). This move, which includes splitting DSIT's responsibilities among other ministries, has raised concerns among scientists and the Royal Society. The President of the Royal Society argues that science should not be isolated to one department and that it cuts across multiple sectors, including health, defense, and energy. This shift could impact funding and strategy for science and AI, with the Campaign for Science and Engineering calling for stability in these areas.
Key Points
Jonathan Reynolds named Secretary of State for BIST, focusing on nine policy areas, one of which is science.
Kanishka Narayan given Cabinet-attending role as Minister for AI, working jointly in Cabinet Office and BIST.
Chris McDonald appointed Minister of State for Science, Innovation and Investment, working across BIST and Health and Social Care.
Royal Society President argues science should not be isolated to one department and calls for stability in funding.
Campaign for Science and Engineering requests stability in science funding, strategy, and policy.
Why It Matters
The move of science policy to the business department could impact funding and strategy for science and AI. For instance, the Royal Society's concerns about the lack of a direct connection between science and the Department for Education, which oversees universities and higher education, could affect research and development. The government's decision to rewire the state to deliver a stronger, more strategic center may also influence how science and technology are prioritized in the UK.
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