The northern powerhouse needs science as much as trains | Athene Donald

There is still not enough money going into research and development

As a nation, our productivity has stalled. This stagnation directly affects the nation's financial health and our citizens' quality of life. As the government ponders where to wield the axe on departmental budgets in the run-up to the comprehensive spending review (CSR), the importance of government funding for research and development (R&D) needs to be kept in sharp focus.

Last week, I had the pleasure of receiving an honorary degree from the University of Manchester, a university that sits at the very centre of the so-called northern powerhouse. As I waited to be honoured, I reflected on the patchiness of current government policy towards R&D investment.

Continue reading...