Dyson inventor outlines plans to make UK European new tech centre

Authored for the Conservative Party, the 'Ingenious Britain' study outlined a series of recommendations needed to drive the UK into a new position as "Europe's leading generator of new technology".

 

Sir James broke down the recommendations into five key areas; culture, education, exploiting knowledge, financing high-tech, and supporting high-tech, and explained how a Tory administration should address each element.

 

Part of the change in culture, the report argued, would come from a "clear understanding of each sector of the economy where we have a chance to lead internationally (such as aerospace, defence, pharmaceuticals or nuclear)". Furthermore, Sir James argued that any new government should be "clear and vocal about its upcoming infrastructure, technology and manufacturing requirements and that it makes early and bold decisions on large projects".

 

"The government is in a unique position to stimulate innovation and generate growth through infrastructural investment and it should take full advantage of this," he stressed, citing plans for a high speed rail network as one example of how State initiatives could "set a vision for industry and academia to follow".

 

The realignment of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects in the UK education system should be another priority for any next government. "Halting this migration from science and technology must start in schools and continue at university and beyond."

 

Sir James also called for "long-term change" in how STEM subjects from secondary school onwards are taught in order to avoid failing the economy, "which needs STEM graduates to exploit the opportunities of high tech A Conservative government must reform the curriculum to teach pure science, rather than 'How Science Works' or 'Science for Citizenship'." 

 

But it's not just the creation of more STEM graduates the next government should focus on, Sir James argued, the breakthroughs made by UK researchers should be nurtured into fully-fledged applications. He said: "To do this we need a flexible approach...Universities must work with industry and investors to capitalise on our world-beating research and to accomplish the equally exciting task of commercialising ideas. Pure research on its own will not be enough." In addition, he recommended that universities increase their collaborative efforts with industry and not-for-profit organisations.

 

As for financing and supporting high-tech developments in the UK, the Dyson report argued that both are essential if the technology sector in the UK is to thrive. It pointed out a significant obstacle, that "[all] too often, UK investors are reluctant to take a punt on technology, science or engineering. Private equity is drawn to larger, less risky leveraged buy-outs, and banks shy away from innovation. We need an approach that relies on the good judgment and sharp eyes of already successful entrepreneurs and technology developers – angel investors.

 

Dyson also called for the creation of a loan guarantee, together with a refocusing of financial support to companies "where the barriers to a sustained R&D programme are greatest and the potential spill-overs to the rest of the economy are greatest. That means high tech companies, small businesses and start-ups".

 

Sir James concluded that, "With long-term government vision, focus and support, I believe that the nation's instinctive talent can propel Britain forward out of recession and towards sustainable growth. We have brilliant, brilliant minds and a good dose of obstinacy. Ideal really."

 

Dyson’s report will be familiar to people who have read the Council for Science and Technology's 'A Vision for UK Research', which also highlighted similar requirements and recommendations to the next government – whichever colour it might be.

 

Following the publication of the report, Conservative leader David Cameron, said "Sir James Dyson's report represents an exciting and ambitious step forward in our desire to make Britain Europe’s leading generator of new technology."

 

"In it are the ideas that will help us create new, high-paying jobs right across our country," Cameron added. "Dyson is one of Britain’s biggest success stories and Sir James Dyson knows better than any bureaucrat how you start a business, build it up and start selling to the world – and he’s put that knowledge into this blueprint for creating a generation of innovation and enterprise."

 

Although both Sir James and others are pragmatic enough to realise not all of the recommendations will make it into a Tory manifesto ("Not every opinion will be echoed by the Conservative team, nor will all of our ideas make it into the final manifesto" said Dyson) shadow business secretary Ken Clarke added that a Conservative government would "undoubtedly follow this broad agenda and this should give hope to the unemployed school leavers and graduates who have become the victims of Brown’s recession, as they look to better career prospects in the future".

 

The CBI’s head of enterprise and innovation, Dr Tim Bradshaw backed some of Dyson's proposals, though he argued the use of R&D tax credits and the focus of the Enterprise Investment Scheme, should not be restricted to high-tech companies. "R&D tax credits should not be restricted to SMEs and high-tech firms, but should be available to companies of all sizes and sectors. This would encourage all businesses to grow through investment and innovation," Bradshaw said.

 

"Similarly, the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) should concentrate on businesses with high-growth potential, rather than Dyson’s proposal that it focus on high-tech firms alone."