Are we realizing our potential? Joining up science and technology policy in the English regions

Science policy in England is determined within a governance system in which regional interests and perspectives are overlooked in favour of short term national excellence. Regional policies and the creation of the new Regional Development Agencies both are critically dependent on central government decisions over the spatial location of R&D spending. The scientific governance system lacks a mechanism to ensure that science policy works to improve regional competitiveness and scientific performance; thus, regional differences and strengths are overlooked by Whitehall departments in favour of the most vocal and well-networked representatives from a limited number of companies. Uneven scientific development with a lack of diversity in England is not a rational market decision but a continually reinforcing consequence of a chain of government policy decisions.