Memorandum from the Foreign and Commonwealth
Office and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills
FUNDING AND
TASKING OF
THE SCIENCE
AND INNOVATION
NETWORK
In response to a request from the Committee,
each of our departments submitted a memorandum in February 2008
concerning the future of the Science and Innovation Network following
the FCO Strategy Refresh. This joint memorandum updates the Committee
on the conclusions of our discussions.
Science and innovation are top priorities for
the Government, and the Science and Innovation Network plays a
crucial role in helping to deliver our objectives. These include
increasing collaboration in science and innovation with the best
in the world, improving policy in this area at home and overseas
and extending UK influence internationally. The network is an
essential delivery body for many UK Government Departments and
public sector organisations, as well as directly helping UK universities
and companies.
Both Departments, and all members of the Global
Science and Innovation Forum (GSIF), are clear that the network
must continue.
DIUS has the responsibility for UK policy on
science and innovation, and for the science budget. It also has
a cross-Government responsibility for science and innovation through
the Government Office for Science. The FCO has responsibility
for managing staff in embassies, high commissions and consulates
across the world. For the Science and Innovation Network to be
a success, DIUS and the FCO need to work closely together. This
already happens, and will continue under the new agreement.
In recognition of the importance of overseas
science and innovation attachés to its international objectives,
and those of GSIF partners, DIUS will assume responsibility for
leading and managing the Science and Innovation Network (SIN).
DIUS and FCO will co-fund this network in future and DIUS will
host a management team of DIUS and FCO staff to oversee the network's
operation
March 2008
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