Consultation - Life Sciences Blueprint (England)
From: Office for Life Sciences
Response due: June 2009
Semta response submitted: 8 June 2009
Summary
In January 2009, the Prime Minister
held a summit meeting with global representatives of the life
sciences industry. At the summit, industry emphasised the need to
take action to support the UK life sciences industry as a major
growth industry of the future, to help ensure the UK’s place as a
global leader. In response, the Government created the Office for
Life Sciences (OLS) led by Lord Drayson, Minister for Science and
Innovation. The OLS then called for evidence and information
to form its 'Blueprint' for the future of the Life Sciences
industry.
Through its Bioscience Sector Strategy Group, and the HE
Sub-Group of that SSG, Semta submitted a response which addressed
the key areas of protection of critical subjects and their
application, providing a strong pool of talent well equipped with
the right skills and knowledge for the sector, and the importance
of coherent and joined-up strategic action.
Next Steps
The OLS Blueprint was published in July 2009, and contains key
recommendations on building a more integrated life sciences
industry:
- From 2010, the Society of Biology will begin to accredit
undergraduate bioscience degrees to help ensure that graduates
leave with the core mathematical and practical skills and
competencies required by employers.
- The Government, together with industry and the Higher Education
sector, will create a forum to address skills gaps.
- A new business and leadership programme for life sciences SMEs
has been developed in collaboration with industry and will be
launched by the end of 2009. Over the summer, the Government will
work with education funders and industry to agree how the programme
will be funded.
Semta will continue to work with OLS as it implements the
Blueprint.
Documents and Links
Life Sciences Blueprint
Semta submission
Semta represents the views of our employers across government
and the media. If you are an employer in the science,
engineering, or manufacturing technology sectors, we welcome your
views at policy@semta.org.uk
28 July 2009