Brexit, science and innovation

The United Kingdom: House of Commons: Science and Technology Committee published a report Brexit, science and innovation on the 21 March 2018. The report set out the Committee's views on the priorities for the science and innovation sector in future negotiations with the EU.

The Committee issued three main recommendations:

+ Participation in Framework Programme 9 (FP9)
+ An early deal for science
+ Clarity for EU students from 2019

Further information

+ Recommendation: An early deal for science

The Committee called for an early deal for science and research with the EU – to be in place by October 2018 or earlier if possible. The report argued that negotiating a deal on science is a ‘win-win’ for the UK and the EU, and so getting an early agreement could set a positive tone for other elements of the negotiations.

However, if there were to be a protracted delay in agreeing this, it would have unfortunate effects, and it cannot be taken for granted that the UK will retain its leadership position in science and innovation. The Committee concluded that reaching an agreement on this should now be as important to the Government as addressing the question of security.

+ Recommendation: Participation in Framework Programme 9

The Committee was concerned that the Government’s default position did not appear to be that the UK would participate in Framework Programme 9 (FP9) – the EU’s next flagship research funding programme.

The Committee recognised that if the price of taking part was too high, or the focus on excellence was diluted, then a change in approach might be warranted, but called on the Government to state clearly that it intended to secure Associated Country status for FP9.

+ Recommendation: Clarity for EU students from 2019

The Committee also called on the UK Government to clarify the status of students applying to study in the UK in 2019, given that many universities would soon be distributing information about the 2019 academic year.

UK: Parliament: House of Commons: Committees: News, 21.03.18: Committee calls for early deal for science and research http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/science-and-technology-committee/news-parliament-2017/brexit-science-and-innovation-report-published-17-19/

UK: Department for Exiting the European Union: Policy Paper, September 2017: Collaboration on science and innovation: a future partnership paper http://www.europeansources.info/record/collaboration-on-science-and-innovation-a-future-partnership-paper/

The Guardian, 21.03.18: UK's status as science superpower at risk after Brexit, say MPs https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/mar/21/uks-status-as-science-superpower-at-risk-after-brexit-warn-mps

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