IOP responds to chancellor's spring statement

Commenting following today's spring statement from the government, Tom Grinyer, chief executive of the IOP, said: "It’s good to see the chancellor again recognising the pivotal role science and innovation plays both in national security and driving economic growth.

“We welcome plans to streamline defence procurement for innovative physics start-ups, which are a positive response to the IOP’s calls for reform to boost innovation and growth for physics deep-tech businesses.

"It is also good to see the increase in spending on novel defence technologies, and the establishment of UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) with a ringfenced budget of £400m to drive pioneering UK technology. This should be a boost to UK physics-based industries like quantum technologies, metamaterials and space.

"But none of this innovation, security and growth will be possible without a thriving research base, underpinned by infrastructure, and access to the diverse skills and talent it needs to deliver.

“What we now need is a decade-long strategic plan for science, including for the skilled workforce that will deliver this vision – starting with teachers, but addressing every educational stage – to underpin the industrial strategy."