Page 22 - ADT APRIL - MAY 2021 Online Magazine

Integrated [ COLUMN ]
streamline and increase the functions of the
different public sector organisations.
An important aspect of the document is the
UK’s pledge to becoming a science and technol-
ogy superpower by 2030. This is an ambitious
Review vision to achieve in a short span of 10 years.
However, it is not an impossible aspiration con-
sidering Britain’s position as the birthplace for
the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century;
combined with its far-reaching role and contri-
bution to science, technology and innovation.
The UK’s credentials in the field of science and
technology cannot be over-looked.
ENGAGING GLOBAL BRITAIN AS A SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY SUPER POWER Leading science and technology inventions,
such as the steam engine, radio, radar, com-
puting and the jet engine originated in Great
Setting an Ambitious Goal Britain. In addition, British universities score
The long-awaited Integrated Review 2021 (IR) has finally arrived. highly in Science, Technology, Engineering
The document titled ‘Global Britain in a competitive age: The release and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in global
of the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and education rankings, such as the Times Higher
Foreign Policy’, is timely at a juncture when Britain is transitioning Education. As the report states, the UK is also
into a new global order. It is a challenging yet equally interesting the third in the world for scientific research
time in history for Britain to reshape its foreign, defence, develop- and innovation. This international stature is
ment and trade policies post COVID and BREXIT. bolstered further by the UK’s leading research
organisations such as the Royal Society, The
The IR was put together by the UK Cabinet office after a rigorous Alan Turing Institute and Sanger Institute that
process of consultation across government and with a wide range symbolise the best in research and innovation
of external organisations and thinkers. The need for such an initia- capability.
tive was absolutely necessary for several reasons. Firstly, the UK
has to collectively bind together its citizens to realign fundamental Focus on Science & Technology
national interest, security and prosperity post Brexit. Secondly, the The emphasis on science and technology also
UK wants to reinforce its core values and commitment to democ- translates into a major commitment to educa-
racy, universal human rights, the rule of law, freedom of speech tion, research and development. As a result of
and faith, and equality. Thirdly, to express the UK’s renewed com- the review, Britain now has wider opportunities
mitment to deepening relationship with allies and partners across to engage constructively in bolstering a global

the world. The merging of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office network of partnerships in innovation, and at
and Department for International Development is also a strong the same time create a skilled pool of talent.
demonstration of wanting to be involved in solving multilateral The Integrated Review highlights Britain’s
challenges such as climate change. Finally, the greater need to commitment of 6.7 per cent of Gross National

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