Thread by @UoMPolicy

📢 Starting now!📢

Follow this thread for live updates from this fantastic panel, with Chair @KevinASchofield, and panellists @RobinMillarMP, @SymaCullasy, Lord Willetts, & @OfficialUoM's Prof @RichardALJones 👇

Organised with @DodsEvents🤝

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents Lord Willetts kicks off our panel, by praising the work of @OfficialUoM as an example of how UK universities can promote R&D, and economic opportunities. He says we should "be proud of and embrace our universities"

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents "In my view, universities are crucial anchor institutions", says Lord Willetts, though he notes that more can be done - he says a well-tailored, investable proposition for domestic & international investors is needed, which brings together strengths in research and students

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents However, he says universities hold too large a stake in spin-out companies, noting that MIT makes more money from merchandising than it does from its spin-outs

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents Over now to @SymaCullasy, who says it makes "economic sense" to invest in innovative companies - as these grow faster. There is a prize to be seized in R&D, she adds, but it needs coordinated investment by Government, universities, and private sector

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents There are also significant regional disparities, notes @SymaCullasy, pointing out that SE England receives more money than Scotland, Wales & N Ireland put together

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents She also points out that investing in R&D produces substantial returns. Companies are asking for long-term stability from the government in terms of research priorities for five years or more

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents A mix of "institutional, geographical, and political will" can help to make a success story of UK R&D, says @SymaCullasy, concluding that there's "a lot to seize, but also a lot to lose"

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents Hearing now from Prof @RichardALJones, who notes that UK economic growth and productivity has not recovered from the 2008 financial crash. We are now 23% lower in productivity than we would have been without the crash, he points out (@TPIProductivity)

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity So how do we increase growth & productivity? @RichardALJones says one key issue to tackle is #healthinequalities. But we also need private sector firms to create high-value products and services - but the Government needs to lead on this from an R&D standpoint

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity "UK universities punch above their weight internationally" in terms of R&D, says @RichardALJones, but investment does not match this - the 🇬🇧 is currently between 🇨🇿 & 🇮🇹, and far behind 🇩🇪, 🇰🇷, & 🇺🇸

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity There is also a significant geographic divide in R&D investment, with much of it concentrated in already-prosperous regions, notes @RichardALJones, adding that more must be done to drive inward investment to UK cities outside SE England

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity He welcomes the Levelling Up White Paper's innovation accelerators, and says this must be rolled out more widely

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity And lastly we hear from @RobinMillarMP, who says he often wrestles with the idea of "How do we level up?" in his N Wales constituency

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity He says N Wales has been overlooked by both Westminster & Cardiff, with "no incentive" for the latter to invest in the economy as their revenue comes from central government
@RobinMillarMP

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity He continues that N Wales has an industrial base & universities, and they are beginning to attract inward investment and development, with universities leading on health research in the region

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity N Wales could become the Brighton of the North West, says @RobinMillarMP, being well placed between the big cities of England's north and smaller towns across Wales - with the potential to lead the UK in R&D and innovation

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity Over now to Q's from the audience; what is the right balance between inward migration and the need for skilled workers, and is the balance right in the current immigration system?

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity Prof @RichardALJones says from a science enterprise view, the UK has benefitted "massively" from an influx of international talent, but the Q we should be asking is about the human potential in local communities that is being overlooked

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity He notes that there is huge variation across #GreaterManchester in entry to higher education, and "we need to make sure we are using the skills of our people, and allowing them to reach their potential"

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity .@RobinMillarMP says the Government has created a flexible framework for immigration to attract highly skilled workers - but he agrees with @RichardALJones that more should be done by local bodies to invest in productivity

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity Lord Willetts says there is an unambiguous list from the Home Office of shortage opportunities - and UK universities should do more to create courses that attract these professions

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity However, @SymaCullasy says the list doesn't always reflect the rapidly changing landscape of employment and skills, while @RobinMillarMP says HE colleges have been doing this for years

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity Another audience Q: How do we transform the UK business culture so more smaller businesses are willing to innovate, or seize the benefits of innovation?

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity Prof @RichardALJones says #GreaterManchester is leading on this, and many SMEs are enthusiastic about innovation - but face everyday barriers and pressures. More should be done to identify these challenges and help SMEs to overcome them

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity He adds that in #GreaterManchester, there is close work going on with local businesses in more deprived boroughs - what is needed is an intervention package tailored to the skills and industries in local areas

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity .@SymaCullasy says there is a broader role for government in supporting more innovative companies, including a drive towards procurement based on outcomes, not processes

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity Accelerate UK is starting to embed an innovative culture among SMEs, including through innovation clusters, notes @SymaCullasy - wherever there is a success story, she says, it's a mix of private, public, and research bodies

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity Another Q: What message does it send about commitment to R&D that the UK still doesn't have a new science minister - and what should be first on the in-tray for the next one?

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity .@RobinMillarMP says the green agenda and sustainable energy are vital, with a recent report saying that the UK faces a huge challenge in meeting net zero targets - which can only be overcome by innovative approaches in new areas, such as tidal lagoons in N Wales

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity However, these needs changes in the funding model - a Science Minister should be ready to argue this case with the Treasury, says @RobinMillarMP

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity Lord Willetts says the Cabinet reshuffle was delayed due to the death of HM Queen Elizabeth, but he has high hopes for the new Minister with responsibility for science at BEIS, @Nus_Ghani

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity @Nus_Ghani Prof @RichardALJones says the new science minister has a huge job in making the case for R&D, both to the government and the research community, in tackling challenges like health and care, as well as net zero

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity @Nus_Ghani Q: The audience are interested in the "fascinating" green shoe on the panel's desk! Prof @RichardALJones explains it was created by @UoMGraphene with @inov_8, with graphene-reinforced soles - an example of a successful R&D partnership!

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity @Nus_Ghani @UoMGraphene @inov_8 Q: How can we encourage the faster scale-up of successful, innovative SMEs?

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity @Nus_Ghani @UoMGraphene @inov_8 Prof @RichardALJones praises @innovateuk's Knowledge Transfer Partnerships in helping to nurture and drive innovation between universities, SMEs, and government - but there is a "dark matter" of innovative SMEs who are not currently on the radar of policymakers

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity @Nus_Ghani @UoMGraphene @inov_8 @innovateuk He adds that SMEs can find opportunities in the supply chains of larger companies, with @NuclearAMRC's "Fit for Nuclear" scheme a good example of this

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity @Nus_Ghani @UoMGraphene @inov_8 @innovateuk @NuclearAMRC Lord Willetts says a national scheme to break down barriers between SMEs and universities would be a good step, while the Government has recently announced steps to tackle the problem of pension funds that don't invest in domestic companies

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity @Nus_Ghani @UoMGraphene @inov_8 @innovateuk @NuclearAMRC Q: Universities are co-designing courses with employers - but also face demands from students. So what can the education sector do with Government to encourage young people towards certain areas?

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity @Nus_Ghani @UoMGraphene @inov_8 @innovateuk @NuclearAMRC Prof @RichardALJones says local collaboration is key - #GreaterManchester is leading on this, with universities working with local colleges and businesses to decide on a clear vision for the regional economy

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity @Nus_Ghani @UoMGraphene @inov_8 @innovateuk @NuclearAMRC The CBI's @SymaCullasy says a tripartite approach between Government, private sector, and research bodies is key to engaging children and young people in areas like the aerospace sector

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity @Nus_Ghani @UoMGraphene @inov_8 @innovateuk @NuclearAMRC Final audience Q: The Government's commitment to R&D is welcomed - what can UK universities do to continue to make the case for this investment?

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity @Nus_Ghani @UoMGraphene @inov_8 @innovateuk @NuclearAMRC Lord Willetts says tying it in with the Growth Strategy is a good start, and that the Government should identify science, technology, and innovation as a key area for growth - bringing together private and public investment

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity @Nus_Ghani @UoMGraphene @inov_8 @innovateuk @NuclearAMRC .@SymaCullasy says there is a clear financial benefit to taking advantage of the UK's R&D base, but tackling regional disparities in funding would help to attract more investment from international bodies - while businesses are also calling for a clear, long-term plan for growth

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity @Nus_Ghani @UoMGraphene @inov_8 @innovateuk @NuclearAMRC Prof @RichardALJones agrees that the Growth Agenda is a useful starting point, while the government also has a role in driving down the cost of R&D for sectors like net zero, defence technologies, and health inequalities

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity @Nus_Ghani @UoMGraphene @inov_8 @innovateuk @NuclearAMRC And @RobinMillarMP highlights the success of N Wales in attracting workers because of the wider social environment - he says social networks have a role in driving wider growth

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity @Nus_Ghani @UoMGraphene @inov_8 @innovateuk @NuclearAMRC And that's all from this panel! Many thanks to our brilliant panellists (@SymaCullasy, Prof @RichardALJones, Lord Willetts, & @RobinMillarMP), to our fantastic chair @KevinASchofield, and our partners @DodsEvents

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity @Nus_Ghani @UoMGraphene @inov_8 @innovateuk @NuclearAMRC You can read more on how @OfficialUoM is leading the national debate on skills, innovation, and productivity in our publication, On Productivity 👇

…licyatmanchester.shorthandstories.com/on-productivit…

@KevinASchofield @RobinMillarMP @SymaCullasy @OfficialUoM @RichardALJones @DodsEvents @TPIProductivity @Nus_Ghani @UoMGraphene @inov_8 @innovateuk @NuclearAMRC And don't forget to check out our other events across #CPC22!

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