Research and Policy Review 21. Britain's Future Wealth: The Need for Strategic Discussions on Research and Development

Abstract

Any detailed review of Britain's research and development (R and D) would present generally a poor picture of our current and future prospects, especially in the intensely competitive world of new technologies and their commercial applications. It is argued that, although the issues facing us are complex and conflicts are inevitable, choices still exist; however, if the necessary strategic discussions are not forthcoming, existing choices will disappear and changes will occur through necessity (because of eventual technological domination and subordination). In this paper, it is argued that the major underlying problem is to make our R and D more effective by more directional management and targetting. The roles of higher education institutions, Government, and industry are considered, and the separate, albeit linked, stages of R and D are highlighted. Illustration of some of the ideas is given by reference to R and D associated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Importantly, priorities must be established.