6 Mar 2013
The chemical sciences make a substantial contribution to the UK economy and have the potential to help address the UK Government's ambitious plans for economic growth. In 2011, the chemicals and pharmaceutical sectors alone contributed 1.9% of gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy and chemical science knowledge exchange added an estimated £3.3bn.
The chemical sciences will help to enhance the performance of the wider economy, in ways that extend beyond simple economic and financial metrics, by maintaining and enhancing the reputation of the UK science base, providing a skilled, innovative and highly productive workforce and generating vital non-economic benefits that will improve quality of life.
Maximising the returns and opportunities, that the chemical sciences offer, requires investment in chemical science research, innovation and the talent pipeline.
In the lead up to the Budget (due to be published 20 March) and the next Spending Review (expected later this summer), SCI, together with the Chemical Industries Association (CIA), the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), and the Chemistry Innovation Knowledge Transfer Network (CIKTN) are supporting an RSC led campaign, We mean business, to highlight why continued support for and investment in the chemistry sector is both necessary and beneficial for the UK economy. More details can be found in the campaign briefing document (linked below)
SCI has an important role to play in this campaign given the breadth of our multidisciplinary membership and our role in connecting science and business to encourage innovation.
Please have your say by writing to your local MP to make the case for chemistry, ideally prior to the Budget Review (due to be published on 20 March). Even if you miss this deadline, please share your views as you can still influence the Spending Review and ongoing policy debates.
Please visit the RSC website (link below) for advice and templates to help you to do this. The more representatives of the chemical science community that get involved, the more powerful our collective voice will be.
Please monitor our website for news stories and online forum debates on the above initiatives and contribute your views (eg. copies of the letter to your MP) or email the Executive Director on secretariat@soci.org
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