Committee takes evidence on challenges for manufacturers and UK research and innovation
On Tuesday 20 October at 3pm, the Economic Affairs Committee holds its sixth evidence session on the Employment and Covid-19 inquiry. This week the Committee hears evidence on the UK’s research and innovation framework and challenges faced by the manufacturing sector.
Meeting details
At 3:00pm: Oral evidence
Inquiry
Employment and COVID-19
Director of Special Projects at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
Head of Welfare and Opportunities at Centre for Policy Studies
Chair in Materials Physics and Innovation Policy at The University of Manchester
At 4:00pm: Oral evidence
Inquiry
Employment and COVID-19
CEO and FIL Chairman at ADS Group
Managing Director at ATEC
President and Managing Director at Alexander Dennis
Executive Director of Policy and Engagement at Make UK
Likely questions
- How significant would increased research and development (R&D) spending be in supporting the economic recovery and increasing resilience in the UK economy?
- How can the Government’s training and skills vision – for instance its ambitions for more Institutes of Technology and lifelong learning – be aligned with the UK’s research and innovation framework?
- Data shows that areas characterised as ‘left behind’ are not necessarily those most exposed to the economic impact of COVID-19. Are there ways that the Government can target emergency measures to ensure left-behind areas are not neglected?
- Venture capital is overwhelmingly concentrated in the biotechnology and tech sector in the UK. Can and should the Government be encouraging venture capital to diversify its investment portfolio?
- Are UK manufacturers in danger of losing their competitive position in world markets?
- What further support do manufacturers in areas affected by local lockdowns require?
- What investment in infrastructure would provide the most effective boost for the manufacturing sector?
- What impact has the pandemic had on supply chains across manufacturing?