Science and technology as a tool of power: An appraisal

This Standpoint examines the Uk Government’s ambition to use science and technologies (S&T) as a software of ability and an integral part of the countrywide safety system, as stated in the 2021 Integrated Evaluate of Stability, Defence, Advancement and Foreign Coverage. The commentary highlights the authors’ reflections on essential enablers for a productive realisation of this ambition, which includes conceptual, simple and economic levers.

First, this commentary considers how, from a conceptual standpoint, the targets and boundaries encompassing the principle of ‘S&T superpower’ will need to be fleshed out to give the time period a unified which means that can carry together related stakeholders and information implementation. Next, the authors replicate on the reality that, from a functional perspective, the British isles governing administration will have to have to marshal a cohesive S&T tactic and place in location efficient coverage levers to produce it. 3rd, the authors argue that, from a economic point of view, and offered its finite means, the United kingdom federal government will will need to count on an integrated solution to S&T investments that coheres general public and non-public actors, and nurtures collaborative international partnerships in pursuit of scientific excellence and technological functionality, in spite of boundaries to cooperation.

The research described in this report was executed by RAND Europe.

This publication is portion of the RAND Corporation Perspective sequence. RAND Views existing expert insights on timely policy challenges. All RAND Perspectives go through peer overview to be certain significant benchmarks for top quality and objectivity.

This document and trademark(s) contained herein are secured by regulation. This representation of RAND mental assets is furnished for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized putting up of this publication on-line is prohibited linking instantly to this products site is inspired. Authorization is needed from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in one more form, any of its investigate documents for commercial applications. For information and facts on reprint and reuse permissions, please check out www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.

The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit institution that can help increase plan and decisionmaking by means of research and investigation. RAND’s publications do not necessarily mirror the opinions of its investigation consumers and sponsors.